Makassar, July 9, 2026 — The International Office (IO) of UIN Alauddin Makassar continues to reinforce its commitment to driving campus internationalization. This was highlighted during the International Talkshow at ENLITE Fest 2026, themed Digital Humanities: A Breakthrough. Held at the Senate Meeting Room, 4th Floor of the UIN Alauddin Makassar Rectorate Building on Thursday, July 9, 2026, the event was a collaborative effort between the International Office, ENLITE (English Literature Community), the English Language and Literature Study Program of the Faculty of Adab and Humanities (FAH), and the English Education Study Program of the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training (FTK).

Before the main session commenced, participants were treated to artistic performances reflecting the spirit of cultural diversity. International students from Thailand performed traditional and modern Thai dances. This was followed by an Exhibition Parade by students from the English Language and Literature Study Program, showcasing cultural representations from Australia, the United States, Egypt, and the local culture of the Kajang community from Bulukumba Regency.

The event also featured a Culture Exhibition themed Halal Tourism Destination in Makassar. Through architectural models, visual media, and standing banners, students promoted the halal tourism potential of Makassar while providing information on the “dos and taboos”—social and cultural etiquettes of various countries and regions—as part of a cross-cultural education initiative.

Opening the event series, the Chief of the ENLITE Community and lecturer of the English Language and Literature Study Program at UIN Alauddin Makassar, Syahruni Junaid, S.S., M.Pd., shared the journey of ENLITE over the years. She revealed that the community has grown through various challenges and limitations yet remains consistent in providing a learning space that fosters student creativity, leadership, and collaboration.

“ENLITE Fest is more than just an arts showcase. It is a leadership laboratory—a laboratory without walls that delivers much more meaningful learning. Behind every literary performance, students learn to lead without a title, build trust, work together amidst differences, solve problems under constraints, and make decisions under pressure. They also learn to negotiate, speak in public, manage conflict, and respect and mentor one another. We believe these values will serve as vital assets for their future,” she stated.

Representing the Rector of UIN Alauddin Makassar, the Dean of the Faculty of Adab and Humanities, Prof. Dr. Barsihannor, officially opened the event. In his opening remarks, he expressed his appreciation to the Australian Consulate-General in Makassar for their support and willingness to share insights with the academic community of UIN Alauddin Makassar.

Prof. Barsihannor emphasized that Digital Humanities serves as a strategic space where technological advancements intersect with humanities disciplines. He noted that universities bear the responsibility of producing graduates capable of leveraging technology without losing touch with cultural and human values.

“Technological advancement must serve as a space to strengthen human values, not replace them. Higher education institutions have a responsibility to prepare a generation capable of integrating technology with the wealth of culture, language, and civilization. Forums like this play a crucial role in building students’ global insights without stripping away their identity,” he said.

Serving as the keynote speaker, the Australian Consul-General in Makassar, Mr. Todd Dias, outlined the importance of developing Digital Humanities to strengthen international collaboration. He highlighted the historical ties between the people of Makassar and the Yolngu community in Northern Australia as proof that cultural exchange has been woven into the relationship between the two nations for centuries.

Mr. Todd Dias explained that the digital transformation has unlocked new opportunities in education, research, and cross-border academic collaboration. However, this progress must be balanced with enhanced digital literacy so that society can effectively navigate the challenges of misinformation and disinformation.

On this occasion, he also introduced the Australia Awards Scholarships, the Australian Government’s flagship scholarship program that offers Indonesian students, academics, and professionals the opportunity to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as various capacity-building programs in Australia.

“The relationship between Indonesia and Australia continues to thrive through education, research, and cultural exchange. We hope to see more UIN Alauddin Makassar students seize opportunities like the Australia Awards Scholarships to expand their academic horizons while building international networks,” he expressed.

Meanwhile, the Head of the International Office at UIN Alauddin Makassar, Dr. Serliah Nur, S.Pd., M.Hum., M.Ed., delivered a presentation on Cross-Cultural Understanding as an increasingly vital competence in the global era.

According to her, cross-cultural competence goes beyond merely understanding the customs of other countries; it is about building effective communication, respecting diversity, and successfully adapting to multicultural international environments.

“Internationalization is not just about studying abroad, but about how we cultivate an open mindset, appreciate diversity, and successfully collaborate with people from various cultural backgrounds. In the era of Digital Humanities, technological mastery must go hand in hand with cross-cultural skills to foster inclusive and sustainable collaboration,” she explained.

Through the hosting of the International Talk show at ENLITE Fest 2026, the International Office of UIN Alauddin Makassar, alongside its collaborative partners, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting university internationalization. This is achieved by strengthening global networks, developing cross-cultural competencies, and providing an academic ecosystem that bridges technology, humanities, and international collaboration.