PM Modi unveils IIM Bangalore's first overseas campus in Indonesia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced establishment of Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) first international campus in Indonesia. It is a significant announcement in line with India's efforts to expand the global footprint of its premier higher education institutions. PM Modi announced this on his visit to Indonesia and his joint press statement with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The bilateral talks aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas including defence, trade, technology and education.

"We are going to establish a campus of India's prestigious management institute, IIM Bangalore, in Indonesia. This will greatly benefit the youth across the entire ASEAN region," Modi said.

The proposed campus will be set up at the Singhasari Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Malang, East Java. Notably, the zone is Indonesia's first special economic zone dedicated to the digital economy, technology and higher education. It is being developed as a regional hub for innovation and talent development.

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Education Minister's post on the announcement reads, "The MoUs signed today to strengthen cooperation in AI, telecommunications, Digital Public Infrastructure and startups further reinforces the shared commitment of India and Indonesia to empowering their youth through technology and innovation. Rooted in centuries of civilisational ties, the IIM Bangalore (Singhasari) Campus opens a new chapter in the India–Indonesia partnership. It will create new opportunities for students across the ASEAN region while advancing our shared vision of a future-ready knowledge ecosystem."

International expansion

The new campus builds on the international expansion of India's top educational institutions. In recent years, IIM Ahmedabad established its overseas campus in Dubai, while IIT Delhi opened a campus in Abu Dhabi and IIT Madras launched its international campus in Zanzibar.

The recent initiative will further strengthen the growing strategic partnership between India and Indonesia. The project is aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages leading Indian institutions to establish campuses abroad and expand access to world-class education.

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The academic curriculum has been designed to prepare future business leaders by focusing on emerging global priorities, including global supply chains, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, climate and sustainability, and healthcare management. Students will also benefit from interactions with industry leaders, renowned academicians and global experts.

The campus will be developed in two phases. During the first phase, IIM Bangalore will offer executive education programmes aimed at senior executives, business leaders and public sector professionals. After two years, the institute will introduce full-fledged degree programmes in management during the second phase.

The initiative will be implemented through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between IIM Bangalore and PT Intelegensia Grahatama (PT IGT), the managing and development entity of the Singhasari SEZ.

The campus will primarily cater to Indonesian nationals while also attracting learners from other Southeast Asian countries. Participants will get opportunity to undertake short academic immersion visits to IIM Bangalore's Bengaluru campus, providing exposure to India's innovation ecosystem, startup culture and business environment.