9 October 2017 – The IULI International Relations (INR) student body began post-midterm with a distinguished lecture. The exclusive event, titled “Perspectives on Indonesia’s Foreign Policy,” was delivered by H.E. Dr. Dino Patti Djalal at Bengkel Diplomasi FPCI. Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia is Amb. Djalal’s initiative to spread to the general public (especially the youth) awareness of “foreign policy”—a subject that is oft-perceived by many as distant.
Dr. Djalal is a public figure who is notable for being, among others: former Indonesian Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States, Presidential Spokesperson, and recipient of “Bintang Mahaputra Adipradana”—the second highest Decoration of the Republic. The London School of Economics alumnus is also an avid author, a passionate educator, and a Guinness World Record Holder.
During the 40-minute lecture Dr. Djalal shared his views on the state of international politics today; identifying five key phenomena that present both opportunities and risks to Indonesian foreign policy. It was a well constructed outlook from someone who is very well experienced in the field, resulting in the lecture received the students’ undivided attention.
In the Q&A session that followed the students engaged directly with Dr. Djalal; from whom they received responses based on facts and figures that may not be readily available in classrooms. As always INR students’ queries were critical and came from genuine interests; prompting the Ambassador to express a special, post-event, recognition of quality.
Today’s lecture was especially invaluable for the purpose of expanding horizon. It is not every day that one learns from a distinguished figure in diplomacy. The fact becomes even more special when one considers that IULI’s INR is merely two-and-a-half year old. The Department of International Relations at IULI is grateful to Ambassador Djalal for his warm welcome and insightful sharing, and looks forward to having another engagement in the future. (SaK)
