KENDARI – The Faculty of Law at Universitas Muhammadiyah Kendari (FH UM Kendari) continues to demonstrate its commitment to expanding its network and enhancing academic quality on an international scale. On Monday, April 27, 2026, FH UM Kendari officially hosted a Public Lecture while warmly welcoming a delegation from the College of Criminology, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (COC NEUST), Philippines.

The prestigious event focused on a highly relevant and critical global issue, under the theme: "Mining Issues and Environmental Crime."

Beyond the public lecture, this significant occasion marked the commencement of a series of collaborative programs between the two cross-border institutions, which include:

• Welcoming Program Faculty and Student Exchange

• Research Collaboration

• Community Engagement

Cross-Border Academic Synergy

The event was attended directly by the leadership, faculty members, and students from both universities. The delegates from COC NEUST Philippines received a warm welcome from the FH UM Kendari academic community. A strong atmosphere of togetherness and academic brotherhood was felt throughout the event, highlighted by the presentation of traditional Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra) woven sashes to the Philippine delegates as a symbol of respect and cultural bonding.

In their opening remarks, the Faculty of Law UM Kendari stated that this collaboration is a strategic step to provide students with a global perspective. Through the lens of environmental crime and mining issues, students from both nations are expected to exchange legal insights, recognizing that ecological issues are shared challenges that transcend national borders.

Long-Term Impact

Through this Faculty and Student Exchange program, lecturers and students from FH UM Kendari and COC NEUST Philippines will actively engage in teaching, learning, and academic discussions throughout the program's duration. Moving beyond the classroom, this partnership will also manifest in joint research projects and impactful community service initiatives that directly address local environmental concerns.

This initiative is expected to boost the institution's accreditation toward international standards while producing law graduates who are globally minded, critical, and deeply committed to environmental justice.