KIC FISIP UI Hosted "Indonesia-Korea Sociocultural Exchange Fair"
KIC FISIP UI held a public lecture and talk show as the main event, accompanied by other supporting activities.
Depok, 20—21 November 2024 – The Korea-Indonesia Connection (KIC) at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FISIP UI), successfully hosted their last event for their one year project, Indonesia-Korea Sociocultural Exchange Fair with two main events and several side events. The first main event is an engaging public lecture titled "Korea-Indonesia Diplomacy Through Education" on November 20, 2024. Held at the Mochtar Riady Auditorium, the event brought together academics, students, and professionals to delve into the critical role of education in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
The event began with welcoming remarks from the Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs FISIP UI (Nurul Isnaeni, Ph.D) and the Coordinator of KIC FISIP UI (Getar Hati, Ph.D), who underscored the importance of people-to-people connections fostered through academic and cultural exchanges. Both emphasized how education is shaping a generation of future leaders who are equipped to tackle global challenges collaboratively while fostering mutual respect and understanding.
The lecture featured two speakers. Prof. Dr. Kim Soo-il, the Chairman of Busan-Indonesia Center and adjunct professor at the Department of International Relations, Universitas Indonesia. Prof. Soo-il highlighted South Korea’s evolution as a global education hub, offering valuable opportunities for Indonesian students in research, innovation, and academic excellence. Prof. Dr. Kim Soo-il also emphasized the importance of Indonesian academics taking part in strengthening their role as experts in Indonesia-Korea studies, enabling Indonesia to exert a more significant influence in positioning its impact on the global stage. Meanwhile, Gogot Suharworo, Ph.D., former Education and Cultural Attache of the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul 2021-2024, emphasized the richness of Indonesia’s cultural diversity and its unique value in providing immersive learning experiences for South Korean students seeking to deepen their understanding of Southeast Asia.
Both speakers explored how educational exchange programs facilitate academic collaboration and address shared global challenges such as climate change, technological innovation, and social inclusion. They emphasized how these programs equip future leaders with the skills and cultural sensitivity needed to foster sustainable and cooperative international relations. He also shared his experiences in diplomacy to enhance educational and cultural cooperation between Indonesia and Korea.
An interactive Q&A session followed, where attendees engaged actively, reflecting a shared enthusiasm for advancing educational diplomacy. One participant remarked, “This event provided valuable insights into how education can serve as a bridge between nations, fostering not just academic growth but also mutual understanding and collaboration.”
The same excitement showed during the talk show on the next day at the same venue. Professor Gu Bo Kyung from Busan University of Foreign Studies captivated the audience with her insights on the interplay of globalization, gender inequality, digital transformation, and the gig economy. Drawing on comparative perspectives between the two nations, she emphasized how these issues influence Gen Z’s work expectations, mental health, and socio-cultural dynamics, including its connections with Generation MZ and Zalpha in Korea and Indonesia. This event was initiated by KIC FISIP UI under the cooperation of two faculties, FISIP UI and FIB UI.
The event underscored the importance of collaboration and mutual learning between South Korea and Indonesia in creating a sustainable future for the youth. Participants left with valuable insights on navigating the complexities of the modern world and contributing to solutions for socio-cultural challenges.
Other than the two main events, the rest of the audience could also enjoy several other side events. There was an Education Talkshow that explored opportunities for Indonesian students to study in South Korean universities. The representation of Axel Education and CPI-AMFEK Scholarship Awardee gave their insights during the education talkshow. For the entire week, there was a food and merchandise bazaar that was a collaboration between KIC and BEM FISIP UI. Of course, the week is not complete without the Indonesia-Korea Cultural Exchange Fair, where all partners including Axel Education, Beasiswa Korea, Annyeong Edu, Lembaga Bahasa Internasional (LBI) FIB UI, K-Style Hub, dan Namseoul University can showcase their services and programs.
The fair marked another milestone for KIC FISIP UI, reaffirming its role as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration between South Korea and Indonesia.