Aug 12, 2024 | event
Depok, August 7, 2024 – The Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Indonesia (HI FISIP UI) in collaboration with Yonsei University Graduate School of International Studies (Yonsei GSIS) Korea, Ban Ki-Moon Foundation, and Budi Cendekia Islamic High School (BCI) Depok, held a seminar on promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG No. 12 on responsible consumption and production. This event took place in the BCI High School Hall, Depok, on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, from 09:30 to 12:00 WIB. A coordination meeting was held face-to-face at the FISIP UI Dean’s Office the day before the socialization activity, attended by Prof. Dr. Semiarto Aji Purwanto, Dean, and Nurul Isnaeni, Ph.D., Vice Dean of FISIP UI, the committee from the HI UI Department, Yonsei University, Ban Ki-Moon Foundation, and representatives of BCI High School teachers.
The socialization activity was opened by the Head of BCI High School, Mrs. Bayu Indah Susanti, who warmly welcomed the delegation from Korea and the organizing committee from HI FISIP UI. She emphasized the importance of raising high school students’ awareness of SDGs issues, especially the problem of food waste, which is one of the main environmental issues in Indonesia. The Head of the HI FISIP UI Department, Asra Virgianita, Ph.D., conveyed the importance of learning about SDGs for high school students as future leaders to care about the environment while enjoying the process of activities.
Prof. Tae Yong Jung from Yonsei University and Director Lee from the Ban Ki-Moon Foundation also gave their remarks. They appreciated the enthusiasm of the school and students, which is expected to be the key to the success of promoting SDG No. 12 through cultural arts activities that have been carried out by schools in Korea. All of this is a voluntary action and inspiration from the former Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Ban Ki-Moon, who is also a major promoter of the 2030 SDGs agenda.
This program also aims to show the importance of achieving the SDGs for global welfare. High school students can contribute to realizing this through campaign actions, creating songs, videos, or other promotional tools that are creative and culturally artistic. This event was attended by student representatives from each class X of BCI High School, as well as teachers, the student parent association, and the Budi Cendekia Foundation.
In this activity, Ahmad Hidayat, M.Sc., a lecturer at HI FISIP UI, presented material related to the SDGs, including the 17 goals agreed upon globally since 2015. The focus of the presentation was SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production), accompanied by photos and videos that attracted students’ attention. This session was interactive, with students expressing their opinions and accompanied by the screening of an SDGs promotional music video created by Gracia Paramitha, Ph.D., a lecturer at HI FISIP UI. The students enthusiastically sang the SDGs song along with its movements.
Additionally, students from Daeje Middle School Korea participated by introducing their campaign on reducing food waste through a choir project. They shared their experiences and works in implementing SDG 12 at their school.
The event concluded with a question-and-answer session and interactive discussion between BCI High School students and the speakers. This session was very enthusiastic, with questions exploring deeper into the motivation, inspiration, process, challenges, and other important notes for successfully promoting SDGs through arts and cultural activities.
With the implementation of this event, it is hoped that BCI High School students in Depok can understand and implement the values of the SDGs in their daily lives and become active agents of change in creating a better world.
This activity is part of a series of activities to implement the SDGs mainstreaming program for BCI High School students with arts and cultural works in the form of a film festival to be held in October 2024. It is hoped that this program can run smoothly and be beneficial for students and have a positive impact on the surrounding and global environment in the future.
Jul 26, 2024 | event
On Tuesday, 23 July 2024, Universitas Indonesia hosted a momentous occasion, the “2024 Universitas Indonesia Degree Awarding Ceremony for International Students,” which brought together 53 graduates from various disciplines across the university. This special event, a highlight of the academic calendar, not only celebrated the accomplishments of these international graduates but also showcased Universitas Indonesia’s commitment to global education and cultural diversity.
The Department of International Relations is proud to be the only department to represent FISIP UI in the ceremony. The department was proudly represented by four international graduates from the master’s degree program. They are from Mexico, Madagaskar, Iran, and Timor Leste. They were congratulated for their degree by the secretary of the university, dr. Agustin Kusumayati, M.Sc., Ph.D. and the Dean of FISIP UI, Prof. Semiarto Aji Purwanto.
In the ceremony, the students were accompanied by the Head of Graduate Program, Broto Wardoyo Ph.D. Currently, the Graduate Program hosts another seven international students from diverse countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. This number is expected to increase along with the Department of International Relations internationalisation goal. The department has been working on this goal through the ongoing international accreditation and the partnership on student mobility with international universities. In the future, the Department of International Relations will continue to broaden its international network by creating programs to establish more engagement with international institutions.
Beyond its celebratory nature, the ceremony served as a platform for Universitas Indonesia to strengthen its international partnerships and showcase its academic progress toward an internationally celebrated university. Distinguished guests including deans, vice deans, lecturers, as well as representatives from partner universities, embassies, and other academic institutions across Indonesia, attended, highlighting the university’s role in fostering global connections and collaborations.
For the Department of International Relations, the ceremony marked a significant milestone in their ongoing efforts to host and support international students, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive campus environment. It highlighted the department’s dedication to delivering world-class education and nurturing future global leaders.
In essence, the 2024 Universitas Indonesia Degree Awarding Ceremony for International Students not only celebrated academic excellence but also reinforced Universitas Indonesia’s position as a leading institution dedicated to fostering international understanding and academic excellence.
Jul 3, 2024 | event
The Department of International Relations at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FISIP UI), completed a major international visit from June 17-23, 2024. Led by Dr. Asra Virgianita, Dr. Ardhitya Eduard Yeremia Lalisang, and Dr. Broto Wardoyo, the delegation visited two universities in Japan: Ritsumeikan Asia-Pacific University in Fukuoka, and Ritsumeikan University in Osaka, as well as two universities in China: the Chinese University of Hong Kong in Shenzhen and Xiamen University in Xiamen.
The visit aimed to strengthen academic collaborations and foster relationships with prominent universities in Japan and China. Discussions at each institution focused on potential research partnerships, academic exchange programs, and participation in international conferences. The delegation actively engaged with faculty members and administrators to explore avenues for mutual learning and cooperation in the field of international relations.
A significant milestone during the visit was the signing of collaborative agreements with Ritsumeikan Asia-Pacific University, Japan and Xiamen University, China. These documents solidify commitments to mutual academic support and exchange, laying the groundwork for future collaborations in research, education, and professional development.
A conversation regarding the future collaborative project between the Department of International Relations FISIP and Asia-Japan Research Institute, Ritsumeikan University Japan was also an important first step in forming an international research environment. The similar plan was also brought in the meeting between the department and School of Social Science and Humanities, the Chinese University of Hong Kong to build a subject specific to social sciences research collaboration.
The delegation also participated in the "Indonesia and the World Interdisciplinary, Interregional, and Intersectoral Conference" at Xiamen University, where they presented research papers and engaged in scholarly discourse on related global issues. This conference provided a platform to network with scholars from various disciplines, promoting cultural understanding and academic synergy.
The international visit highlighted the Department of International Relations FISIP UI’s commitment to expanding its global presence and advancing academic excellence through international partnerships. The department looks forward to building upon these collaborations to enrich academic opportunities and deepen understanding in international relations.
Jun 13, 2024 | event
Depok, 30 May 2024 – The Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Indonesia, held a seminar on "Searching for the Midpoint of Democracy: Between National Security and Civil Liberties" on 30 May 2024. This event took place from 13.30 to 16.00 WIB at the Auditorium Ilmu Komunikasi and presented several speakers to discuss how to find a balance between the needs of the authorities to maintain national security and ensure that the rights to free-speeches are still fulfilled regarding the issue of the use of spyware in Indonesia.
Broto Wardoyo, Ph.D., lecturer in the Department of International Relations, as moderator, opened the discussion by providing a brief overview of how the issue of spyware in the context of national security and civil liberties is becoming increasingly relevant in society. From a regulatory perspective, Dr. Sulistyo, Deputy for Cyber and Crypto Security for Government and Human Development at BSSN RI, explained the importance of data protection as a national issue.
Brig. Pol. I Made Astawa, Deputy Head of Densus 88 AT Polri, explained that wiretapping carried out by Densus 88 is an important instrument in countering terrorism and emphasized that the main principle in implementing wiretapping is respecting the civil rights while maintaining national security. From a journalist's perspective, Herik Kurniawan, Editor-in-Chief of GTV and Chair of the Indonesian Television Journalists Association (IJTI), explained the role of the media as the fourth pillar of democracy with the challenge of facing regulations that limit the movement of journalists. Mabda Haerunnisa Fajrilla Sidiq, researcher at The Habibie Center, discussed the visibility of the use of cyber as a surveillance tool from a cyber security perspective.
Dr. A. J. Simon Runturambi, Chair of the SKSG UI National Resilience Study Program, underlined the importance of intelligence reform to accommodate civil liberties without disrupting institutions' authority to maintain national security. Ali Abdullah Wibisono, Ph.D., International Security lecturer at the HI Department of FISIP UI, closed the session by discussing in depth the cyber security landscape in Indonesia, which is influenced by the condition of unfinished nation-building and the importance of answering the fundamental question: "Security for whom?" and “Security for what?” –
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Jun 5, 2024 | event
Depok, June 5, 2024 – The Department of International Relations at Universitas Indonesia recently hosted a mini workshop aimed at guiding students through the process of pursuing graduate studies, particularly PhD programs, in the United States. The workshop was presented by Dr. Christian C. Lentz, a distinguished academic with extensive experience in American higher education both as a former graduate student and a current member of an admissions team.
Dr. Lentz’s workshop was designed to provide aspiring PhD candidates with valuable insights and practical advice, drawing from his firsthand experiences. The session began by addressing the fundamental question: Why pursue a PhD in the US? Participants explored the numerous advantages, such as high-quality education, enhanced career opportunities, the chance for in-depth study, and the ability to conduct original research. The discussion also covered potential challenges, including the long duration of study (5-7 years), the demands of English-language instruction, and the highly competitive nature of these programs.
A significant portion of the workshop focused on the initial steps necessary to embark on this journey. Dr. Lentz emphasized the importance of identifying academic interests and long-term goals, selecting the appropriate research methodology (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods), and choosing the right discipline and theoretical framework. He highlighted the critical role of mentorship and provided detailed information on available resources, such as scholarships, Teaching Assistantships (TAships), and grants that support international students.
Choosing the right PhD program is a crucial step, and Dr. Lentz guided participants through the decision-making process. Students learned how to evaluate universities and departments based on their prestige, available resources, and specific program offerings. The session covered strategies for identifying potential professors who could serve on their advisory committee, as well as assessing the level of peer support and competition within each program. Dr. Lentz stressed the importance of making a strong initial contact with potential supervisors, advising students to express their interest and credentials succinctly in their first email, followed by inquiries about the professors’ availability for PhD supervision.
The workshop concluded with comprehensive guidance on the application process. Participants received tips on crafting a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP), approaching letter writers for recommendations, and preparing a strong CV with writing samples. A detailed application timeline was provided, outlining key steps from initial outreach in August to beginning the visa process in April. The interactive sessions included practical exercises to help students identify suitable programs, draft introductory emails, and outline their SOPs.
Additionally, securing your own funding for a PhD, such as through the LPDP scholarship from the Indonesian government, can significantly enhance your chances of being accepted into US universities, as it reduces their financial burden. However, most PhD programs in the US offer financial assistance through departmental funding, although the specifics can vary from one state to another. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on understanding the application process and building connections with potential advisors to increase your chances of success in pursuing graduate studies in the US.
Apr 30, 2024 | event
Autonomy and Rebellion at the China-Myanmar Border: Political Aspirations of the Coup and Conflicts in Myanmar and Their Implications for ASEAN
Depok, April 30, 2024 , The Department of International Relations organized a Book Discussion as part of the IR-UI Monthly Discussion series for April, addressing the issue of autonomy and rebellion at the China-Myanmar border due to the Rohingya conflict. The IR-UI monthly discussion took place offline at the Miriam Budiardjo Library (MBRC) at the FISIP UI Campus. Dozens of participants from various study programs attended the event, focusing on the latest book that explores the phenomenon of rebel autonomy in Myanmar post-coup by Singaporean researcher Andrew Ong. In the book titled “Stalemate: Autonomy and Rebellion at the China-Myanmar Border,” the author, a Harvard graduate researcher, deeply examines the case of the United Wa State Army (USWA), which has 30,000 members at the Myanmar-China border. This ethnographic study reveals how diverse forms of autonomy in Myanmar’s border areas have reshaped the political order post-coup, raising questions about the country’s integrity.
The book discussion was moderated by Nida Rubini, a young researcher in the Department of International Relations, who guided the book discussion by first listening to Andrew Ong’s presentation on his work. This was followed by responses and discussions attended by two experts, namely Ali A. Wibisono, Ph.D. – Lecturer in International Relations at UI and researcher at the Habibie Research Center UI, and Patrick Kurniawan, Ph.D. In this book discussion, participants had the opportunity to hear summaries of important cases and stories presented in the book. One of the main points raised was how rebel autonomy in the mountains is not only about defense against the lowland state but also a relational relationship maintained through the management of politics and the flow of capital and people to the mountainous areas. This discussion provided deep insights into the political dynamics in Myanmar and their implications for the country’s political future, as well as potential implications for security and stability in the Southeast Asia/ASEAN region.
This book is not only an in-depth analysis of the political realities in Myanmar but also offers important reflections on various visions of autonomy by different armed groups in the country. Using the concrete case of the United Wa State Army, this book becomes an important guide to understanding the political complexities in Myanmar’s border areas and makes a valuable contribution to the study of international relations and comparative politics. The book discussion event concluded with a group photo with all participants, which is expected to serve as a medium for further collaboration in the future between the FISIP UI academic community and external researchers related to human rights issues, conflicts, and Myanmar. For more information about this book and the IR-UI monthly discussion, please contact the event committee through the press contact listed below.
