MAKASSAR – Hasanuddin University (Unhas) is expanding its strategic international network through a visit by Dr. Rizal Sukma and a delegation. Dr. Sukma is a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jakarta and a former Indonesian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the International Maritime Organization (2016–2020). The visit created a space for dialogue that underscored the importance of collaboration between universities and strategic institutions in responding to an increasingly complex global landscape.
Rizal Sukma was welcomed in person by the Rector of Hasanuddin University, Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc. In a warm yet substantive atmosphere, the two sides discussed a range of cooperation opportunities that could be developed, from strengthening strategic studies, academic diplomacy, and human resource development to the contribution of universities to global issues and the Indo-Pacific region.
As one of Indonesia’s intellectuals and diplomats with a long track record in international relations, Rizal Sukma said universities hold an important position in building a knowledge ecosystem that can have a real impact on public policy. In Rizal Sukma’s view, synergy between campuses and strategic research institutions has become a necessity amid increasingly dynamic geopolitical change in the world.
Rizal Sukma explained that universities no longer serve only as centers of education; they must also be spaces for producing ideas, policy innovation, and national solutions. In that context, Unhas is seen as having great potential to take on a broader role, particularly in strengthening Eastern Indonesian perspectives in national and global discourse.
“Universities have academic strength that is very important in shaping policy direction and strengthening Indonesia’s position at the international level. I see that Unhas has the capacity and strong resources to be part of that strategic conversation,” said Rizal Sukma.
Meanwhile, Unhas Rector Prof. JJ said the meeting was an important moment for strengthening institutional ties and opening broader space for collaboration in the future.
Prof. JJ explained that Unhas continues to drive a transformation of the university so that it excels not only in education and research but also actively builds global networks with various strategic partners. In that context, CSIS is seen as having the experience and capacity relevant to supporting the strengthening of Unhas’s academic role at the national and international levels.
“We are very proud and pleased to have CSIS as a strategic partner. This relationship can certainly continue to be strengthened through concrete cooperation, especially in developing strategic studies, academic diplomacy, and the contribution of universities to global issues,” said Prof. JJ.
Prof. JJ also added that Unhas has various strengths to offer in the partnership, from multidisciplinary research capacity and the development of outstanding human resources to the regional collaboration networks the university has been building. In Prof. JJ’s view, strengthening synergy with strategic institutions such as CSIS will add value to institutional development and to Indonesia’s contribution on the global stage.
Collaboration between Unhas and CSIS has previously been realized through a series of academic activities, including a national seminar titled “Shaping Indonesia’s Foreign Policy in Facing the Era of Great-Power Rivalry,” a focus group discussion (FGD) with international relations scholars, and academic coaching for final-year students.
The cooperation is part of efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s foreign policy discourse and to build academic and strategic research networks between the university and national think tanks.
The meeting took place at the Unhas Rector’s Office on Wednesday (20 May), as part of a series of academic visits and efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership between CSIS Indonesia and Hasanuddin University. (*/mir)
Editor : Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.