Cirebon Police Chief Supports UMC’s IOF 2025
Cirebon Police Chief joined UMC’s IOF 2025, praised its international short course, and stressed the importance of foreign students learning about Indonesia’s red and white values and Cirebon’s cultural wealth.
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UMCPRESS.ID - Cirebon Police Chief, Police Commissioner Sumarni, S.I.K., S.H., M.H., attended the International Office Forum (IOF) 2025 hosted by Universitas Muhammadiyah Cirebon (UMC) at the Grand Mosque Hall, UMC Campus, on Monday (Aug 18).
The international forum carried the theme “Strengthening Global Leadership in University International Offices” and served as a significant platform to enhance global collaboration in higher education.
Alongside the forum, the Police Chief also praised UMC’s initiative in organizing a short course titled “From Beans to Waves: A Journey Through Cirebon’s Coffee, Kingdom Heritage, and Northern Java’s Seafood.” This program was joined by international students from Malaysia, Russia, Cambodia, Thailand, India, Sudan, and Bangladesh. Through this course, participants not only explored Cirebon’s coffee and seafood culture but also engaged with the region’s deep historical and cultural heritage.
Police Commissioner Sumarni emphasized that the momentum of IOF 2025 aligned with Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day commemoration, themed “United, Sovereign, Prosperous People, Advanced Indonesia.” She noted that international students should also learn the philosophical meaning of the national flag.
“Red stands for courage, white symbolizes purity. These values must be stories they bring back to their countries,” she said.
More importantly, she highlighted the significance of international students experiencing Cirebon’s rich cultural values and the warmth of its people. According to her, such encounters create stronger emotional bonds while simultaneously promoting Cirebon on the global stage. She viewed the program not only as an academic activity but also as cultural diplomacy, boosting the city’s international image.
Police Commissioner Sumarni is widely recognized for her pro-people initiatives, such as the Ajak Menanam (Let’s Plant) movement, which encourages communities to care for the environment while strengthening food security. Her presence at IOF 2025 reaffirmed that collaboration among law enforcement, academia, and international communities could become a vital key to fostering harmony and progress.
Through its International Affairs Office, UMC is committed to making IOF 2025 a strategic avenue to discuss opportunities, challenges, and strategies in developing higher education globally. With strong support from various stakeholders, including the police, this forum is expected to broaden international networks while showcasing Cirebon as a culturally rich, welcoming, and competitive city in the global era.
