Yogyakarta, January 15, 2026─The Department of International Relations (DIHI) of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIPOL) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a meeting with representatives from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (January 15th) to discuss collaboration opportunities for developing diplomatic capacity. The meeting, held in the DIHI Meeting Room, was part of an effort to strengthen the quality of education and training for young diplomats and to open up opportunities for academic collaboration with universities.
The meeting, attended by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of FISIPOL UGM; the Chair, Secretary, and lecturer representatives of the Department of International Relations; the Director of the Institute of International Studies; and Harry R. Irawan, Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ School of Foreign Service, highlighted the importance of developing learning modules, training, and skills enhancement programs relevant to today’s diplomatic challenges.
The department expressed its readiness to provide academic expertise, particularly in strengthening international relations theory and mapping strategic issues. Furthermore, the collaboration is aimed at benefiting not only the Ministry of Foreign Affairs diplomats but also students and the general public.
This meeting affirmed the commitment of both institutions to further map out the forms of cooperation that will be implemented concretely. It is hoped that this step will strengthen Indonesia’s diplomatic capacity while expanding IR UGM’s academic contribution in supporting the national agenda in the field of international relations. This includes supporting the implementation of sustainable development goals that focus on peace, justice, and strong institutions.