Depok, September 24, 2025 – Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) welcomed Professor Tim Lindsey, Malcolm Smith Chair of Asian Law and Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor at the University of Melbourne, in a special lecture that underscored the importance of strengthening legal and academic cooperation between Indonesia and Australia.

Known as one of Australia’s foremost experts on Indonesian law, Prof. Lindsey has long been a bridge between the two countries, having advised governments, businesses, international organizations, courts, and legal practitioners across both nations. His visit to UIII was not only an academic engagement but also a personal reunion with colleagues, students, and long-time friends in Indonesia.

“It is a great pleasure to be here today, especially because there are so many friends in the audience,” he said. “For me, it feels like a reunion, but also a chance to meet new colleagues with whom I hope to collaborate in the future.”

Prof. Lindsey emphasized the University of Melbourne Law School’s unique position as the only institution outside Indonesia with a dedicated center for the study of Indonesian law and society. Over the years, the center has become a hub for research and dialogue on Indonesian legal issues, attracting more Indonesian students to its Master of Laws program than any other university in Australia.

“We have been fortunate to welcome many Indonesian students to our law program, and through them, we continue to deepen our understanding of Indonesia,” he noted. “But I look forward not only to seeing more students from UIII but also to working together as collaborators and partners. There is still much work to be done in law and society, and Indonesia’s rising global role makes this collaboration all the more important.”

He further stressed the need for stronger ties between the two countries, pointing out that Indonesia’s growing influence requires Australia to engage more seriously with its neighbor. “Building stronger linkages with institutions like UIII will be vital in fostering meaningful cooperation,” he said.

Prof. Lindsey also took the opportunity to introduce Professor Michelle Foster, the newly appointed Dean of Melbourne Law School, who accompanied him on the visit. He highlighted her distinguished academic contributions, particularly in the fields of statelessness, refugee law, and human rights.

“Professor Foster brings global expertise and recognition to our law school. Her leadership in research on statelessness and refugee rights has earned her international awards and positioned her as a leading authority in the field,” Prof. Lindsey remarked.

The visit concluded with Prof. Foster delivering a lecture on global challenges related to statelessness, where she invited students and faculty members to actively engage in discussion.

UIII Rector Prof. Jamhari expressed appreciation for the visit, noting that the collaboration between UIII and the University of Melbourne opens new avenues for international academic exchange. “This partnership strengthens our mission to place UIII at the heart of global conversations on law, society, and human rights,” he said.

The event marked another step forward in UIII’s efforts to build robust academic partnerships with leading global institutions while reinforcing its role as a hub for research and dialogue on pressing issues that affect both Indonesia and the wider world.