UNS — International Relations Student Association (Himaters) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta held an online guest lecture on Wednesday (5/8/2020) on ‘Indonesian-French Cultural and Educational Diplomacy’ through Google Meeting and YouTube live stream in Himaters UNS YouTube channel. Attending the event to deliver an opening remark was the Head of International Relations Program, Drs. Ing. Agung Setiawan, S.E., S.I.Kom., M.Si., Ph.D and Prof. Dr. Ismi Dwi Asusti Nurhaeni, M.Si.
“Through this discussion, I hope that FISIP UNS can build a collaboration network with foreign universities and institutions, especially in France, as well as develop student and faculty member spirits to go international in answering the global challenge,” Prof. Ismi stated.
Bintang Indra Wibisono, S.hub.int. M.A acted as a moderator for the event. International Relations is a dynamic and complex discipline that follows the development of the global world. People who work in the International Relations field need to adjust to the existing condition. Diplomacy as the core of International Relations experienced shifts from hard power diplomacy to soft power diplomacy. In the past political and economic aspects become a strength for implementing diplomacy now shifting to prioritize steps that can attract other countries to diplomacy.
Inviting Prof. Warsito, S.Si., DEA., Ph.D., the Attaché for Education and Culture (Atdikbud) in Paris, France. Indonesia – France relationship started in September 1950. After 70 years the bilateral relationship between the two countries continues to develop. By 2011, France is not just in a bilateral relationship but a strategic partner for Indonesia. France is in the top 10 trading partners with Indonesia. On this occasion, Prof. Warsito explained several activities that have been taken between Indonesia and France such as export and import. Both countries have agendas in several fields such as agriculture and manufacture. Diplomacy is no longer a sole duty of a diplomat, with the online development, unlimited communication, diplomacy can be implemented by everybody. Even students with their social media can be the strength of Indonesia diplomacy.
Shaping a good image requires support from many parties. The people, particularly students can contribute to strengthening diplomacy by providing positive information and working and introducing Indonesia to the international environment. To be a diplomat, a person needs to have diplomacy skill (communication and foreign language acquisition), critical thinking in analyzing, adaptability, and reactive in responding. Cultural knowledge also supports diplomat’s duty in representing their country.
At the end of the discussion, Prof. Warsito provided information on collaboration, internship, and research in Atdikbud of Republic of Indonesia Embassy (KBRI) Paris, France. It is open for all parties who want to develop relations or have shared agenda, especially for universities or education and cultural institutions. Humas UNS
Reporter: Ratri Hapsari
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
