Foreign Politics Talk with The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of Indonesia was held in 11 universities across Indonesia, one of which happened to be at Universitas Indonesia. As the host, the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social and Politics, successfully held the event with more than 200 students, scholars, and media in attendance. Students from several universities in Jabodetabek area were invited to participate in the event. They were from Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Unversitas Warmadewa, Universitas Al-Azhar Indonesia, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, and others. The event is an effort of transparency, accountability, and commitment of the ministry to continue educating the general public about the achievements and the future of Indonesia’s foreign policy.
The event was held on the 8th of January 2024 at the Mochtar Riady Auditorium, FISIP UI. It was opened by the Head of the Department of International Relations, Dr Asra Virgianita and closed by the Dean of FISIP UI, Prof. Semiarto Aji Purwanto. During the Foreign Politics Talk, the audience had the chance to watch the livestream of the Annual Press Conference by the MOFA, highlighting the achievements of a decade of Indonesia’s foreign policy. Indonesia has achieved a lot and is aiming for more in the future of Indonesia’s free and independent foreign policy.
After watching the livestream, the discussion began with the opinions of all speakers on board. Professor Fredy B. L. Tobing and Dr Makmur Keliat from the Department of International Relations FISIP UI and Dr Suraya Afif from the Department of Anthropology FISIP UI were invited to be speakers. Alongside all lecturers from FISIP UI, the Director General of ASEAN Cooperation, Sidharta R. Suryodipuro, attended the event as a speaker. During the discussion, students in attendance had their chance to ask questions regarding Indonesia’s foreign politics and foreign policy. The discussion highlighted the role of NGOs, the people, and the youth in the future of Indonesia’s foreign politics. There are mentions of Indonesia’s role in peacebuilding in Southeast Asia as a region and the balancing act of protecting Indonesia’s people, territory, and sovereignty.