UNISMUH Makassar Strengthens International Internship for Forestry Students in Japan

UNISMUH.AC.ID, MAKASSAR — The University of Muhammadiyah Makassar received a visit from two Japanese companies, Tescupo and Maze Construction, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. The delegation was received in the Rector's office, 17th floor of the Iqra Building, Unismuh Makassar Campus.

The visit was part of the follow-up to the International Internship Program Batch II for students in the Faculty of Agriculture, specifically the Forestry Program.

The delegation was led by the CEO of Tescupo Japan, Tomio Nakagawa, and the CEO of Maze Construction, Morimoto. In addition to meeting with university leaders, they also conducted direct observations and interviews with students who were participating in the internship program selection in Japan.

The delegation was received by the Rector of Unismuh Makassar, Dr. Abd Rakhim Nanda. He was accompanied by the vice-rectors, the Chairman of the Daily Management Body of Unismuh Makassar, the heads of the Faculty of Agriculture and the Forestry Program, as well as lecturers.

Rakhim expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in Unismuh Makassar by Tescupo and Maze Construction in developing human resources through the international internship program. According to him, this collaboration provides students with the opportunity to gain learning experience in a global work environment.

"We are very grateful for the visit from Tescupo and Maze Construction from Japan. This program provides a valuable opportunity for Unismuh Makassar students to learn directly in an international work environment, gain global experience, and improve their competence and competitiveness," said Rakhim.

He said that international internships not only strengthen students' technical skills. The program also serves as a learning tool for culture, work ethic, discipline, and character development, which are necessary to face global competition.

Rakhim hopes that the collaboration with Japanese industry partners can continue. This will allow more Unismuh Makassar students to have the opportunity to participate in internship programs abroad.

"We hope that this international internship program can be implemented every year and reach more students from various study programs," said Rakhim.

The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Unismuh Makassar, Dr. Andi Khaeriyah, said that the visit by Japanese companies indicates the opening of international access for students. According to her, collaboration with the foreign industry is important to broaden students' horizons and prepare them for the workforce.

"The presence of Japanese company representatives shows their seriousness in collaborating with Unismuh Makassar. This is a great opportunity for students in the Faculty of Agriculture to develop their competence, experience, and international knowledge," she said.

Andi added that the international internship program is in line with the Faculty of Agriculture's vision of producing excellent and professional human resources. She hopes that the students who participate in the selection can demonstrate their best abilities so that they can pass the next stage.

The Head of the Forestry Program at Unismuh Makassar, Jauhar Mukti, said that the international internship program is part of the program's efforts to prepare graduates who have global competence. According to him, students need to gain a wider learning experience, including through cooperation with international companies and institutions.

"The international internship program targeting Forestry students is expected to continue every year. We hope that all students who participate in the interview and selection process can achieve the best results," said Jauhar.

He explained that this collaboration is not the first. In the previous year, the Forestry Program at Unismuh Makassar had sent one student to participate in an international internship program in Japan.

"The success of our students in participating in international internships last year is a motivation and proof that Forestry students at Unismuh can compete at the international level. Therefore, we will continue to facilitate students to take advantage of global opportunities like this," he said.

During the visit, Tescupo and Maze Construction interviewed students who had passed the initial selection for the Batch II International Internship Program. The interviews were conducted to assess the students' communication skills, motivation, discipline, and their readiness to adapt to the Japanese work environment and culture.

Tomio Nakagawa assessed that Indonesian students, including those from Unismuh Makassar, have the potential to develop in an international work environment. Meanwhile, Morimoto saw the enthusiasm and learning spirit of the students as an important asset in participating in the internship program in Japan.

The visit by Tescupo and Maze Construction is one of Unismuh Makassar's steps to expand its international network with the industry. Through overseas internships, students are expected to gain work experience, strengthen their professional competence, and be better prepared for the global workforce.