UNAND Supports SDG 4 and SDG 16 through Immigration Awareness Program for International Students

Padang, May 7, 2026 — Universitas Andalas (UNAND) welcomed a visit from the Foreigners Monitoring Team, known as TIMPORA, in an immigration socialization activity for international students at the Senate Meeting Room, 4th Floor of the UNAND Rectorate Building, on Thursday, May 7.

The activity was held to provide international students with a better understanding of immigration regulations, including their rights and obligations as foreign nationals while studying in Indonesia. It also aimed to strengthen coordination among institutions in monitoring and supporting the presence of foreign nationals in the academic environment.

During the session, Acting Head of the Immigration Law Enforcement and Patrol Division of TIMPORA, Zulmanul Arif, delivered several important materials. These included regulations on bridging visas, the rights and obligations of international students during their studies in Indonesia, legal assistance for foreign students, the prohibition on working for international students, and education on the dangers of narcotics abuse along with its legal sanctions in Indonesia.

Head of UNAND International Office, Dr. Rina Marnita, stated that the activity was an important part of the university’s effort to create an academic environment that is safe, orderly, and supportive of international students’ adaptation process while studying in Indonesia.

She emphasized that UNAND is committed to providing comprehensive assistance and understanding to international students, not only in academic matters, but also in relation to compliance with Indonesian legal and immigration regulations. Through this activity, international students are expected to be able to pursue their studies comfortably and safely while understanding their rights and responsibilities during their stay in Indonesia.

Dr. Rina also added that synergy between higher education institutions and government agencies is a strategic step to strengthen both supervision and services for international students on campus. Through this immigration socialization program, UNAND and TIMPORA hope that international students will better understand and comply with applicable laws and regulations in Indonesia, helping create a conducive academic environment while supporting the university’s sustainable internationalization agenda.

This initiative supports SDG 4 Quality Education by helping international students adapt to academic life in Indonesia through clearer information, guidance, and institutional support. By ensuring that students understand immigration rules, legal responsibilities, and available assistance, UNAND strengthens an inclusive and supportive learning environment for its international academic community.

The program also aligns with SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions because it promotes legal awareness, regulatory compliance, and institutional coordination in managing the presence of foreign nationals. Through collaboration with TIMPORA, UNAND contributes to a safer, more orderly, and more accountable campus environment.

Through this activity, UNAND reaffirmed its commitment to supporting international students beyond academic services. By combining immigration education, legal awareness, and inter-institutional coordination, the university continues to build a campus environment that is safe, inclusive, and ready to support sustainable internationalization.