Depok, September 13, 2024 – The Department of International Relations at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Indonesia, proudly hosted a studium generale titled “Modern Australia and Its Role in the World,” featuring the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Penny Williams PSM. This public lecture was held on Friday, September 13, 2024, at the Communication Science Auditorium, FISIP UI, and was attended by a large number of students from the International Relations Study Program. The event aimed to provide a deeper understanding of Australia’s role in the international arena, particularly in terms of its diplomacy and foreign policy that influence the global order and bilateral relations with other countries, including Indonesia.
The public lecture was opened by Professor Evi Fitriani, Ph.D., a Professor of International Relations, who stated that Indonesia and Australia have a good relationship. Therefore, this public lecture is expected to broaden insights into Australia and its foreign policy, leading to more collaborations in the future. Following this, Dr. phil. Yandry Kurniawan, the Head of the Undergraduate Program in International Relations, also delivered a welcome speech. In his remarks, he expressed hope that the visit of the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Penny Williams PSM, could be the first step in strengthening relations with the Department of International Relations, as many students focus on Australia in their final projects.
The event continued with an opening by Ristian Atriandi Supriyanto, M.Sc., a lecturer in the Department of International Relations who acted as the moderator. He facilitated the public lecture by guiding an interactive discussion between the Ambassador and the participants. During her presentation, H.E. Penny Williams PSM highlighted various important aspects of Australia, from the cultural diversity that characterizes the country to Australia’s foreign policy based on its values, interests, and national identity. H.E. Penny Williams PSM emphasized that Australia prioritizes not only regional cooperation but also inter-regional relations, including with Indonesia. Additionally, in the context of evolving international relations, Australia, as part of the Pacific region, faces several global challenges such as climate change, maritime security, and other issues that require special attention.
After the presentation by Ambassador H.E. Penny Williams PSM, the public lecture continued with a Q&A session with the students. The public lecture concluded with the presentation of a souvenir from the Department of International Relations to Ambassador H.E. Penny Williams PSM as a token of appreciation for her presence. This event is expected to strengthen the relationship between Australia and Indonesia and contribute positively to the development of knowledge in the field of international relations.