G

adjah Mada University (UGM) rector Pratikno has been awarded with an honorary doctorate from Flinders University in Australia for his leadership and for opening the Yogyakarta-based institution to international cooperation.

The degree was presented to Pratikno by Flinders University rector Stephen Gerlach during the commencement ceremony for 1,620 Flinders students on Wednesday.

Quoted in a statement released by UGM, Pratikno said that he was very honored by the award, which could be used as a capital for Gadjah Mada University to further improve its influence in the international world.

'I am thankful for this,' Pratikno said, adding that the award was proof of Indonesia's leadership in the international arena.

After finishing his doctoral studies at Flinders' school of social sciences in 1996, Pratikno continued to maintain good relationship with the university, including through collaborative researches.

UGM has actively cooperated with Flinders University. For over 15 years, Flinders alumni have been studying Indonesian culture and language at UGM. Other activities have included students and faculty in international studies, population studies and law.