Indonesiantalk.com— A Productive Discussion on Bilateral Cooperation and National Challenges – A lively and warm chat between alumni of FISIP UI 78
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, a thoughtful and engaging discussion took place at prestigious area of Senayan, Jakarta, as a distinguished group of individuals came together to address a range of important topics.
The evening’s dialogue centered around potential collaborations between Indonesia and Japan, as well as Indonesia-Korea, the writing of the biography The Untold Story of Ir. H. Juanda, and the current economic and political challenges facing Indonesia.
The participants included H.E. Yusron Ihza Mahendra, Indonesia’s former Ambassador to Japan, who brought valuable diplomatic insight into the conversation; Ismeth Wibowo, a successful entrepreneur known for his contributions to business and innovation.
Senior journalist Ahmed Kurnia, whose extensive experience in the media landscape has made him a respected voice in Indonesian journalism.
Asri Hadi, a prominent figure in the media industry who has extensive experience in the digital media; and Otho Hadi, an expert from Indonesia’s National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), who added depth to the discussion with his expertise in development and policy.
As the group gathered over a warm meal, the conversation naturally flowed towards exploring how Indonesia and Japan could further strengthen their partnership.
Japan, with its advanced technology and robust economic standing, offers significant opportunities for Indonesia, especially in the fields of infrastructure development, trade, and innovation.
“During my time, Indonesia -Japan bilateral cooperation became closer. The Japanese government’s trust to Indonesia increased.” said Yusron as the recipient of the Bintang Jasa “The Order of The Rising Sun Gold and Silver Stars”.
He also explained the need for a strategic entity that helps and bridges investment interests by making it easier for Korean companies to operate in Indonesia. Participants reflected on the importance of fostering stronger bilateral ties to address shared regional and global challenges.
The discussion also touched on the timely and much-anticipated biography The Untold Story of Ir. H. Juanda, a project that seeks to shed light on the life and contributions of one of Indonesia’s most revered figures.
The biography, which has been in the works for some time, promises to offer a deeper understanding of Ir. H. Juanda’s role in shaping Indonesia’s post-independence political landscape, particularly his efforts in economic planning and governance.
However, the most pressing conversation revolved around the current political and economic climate in Indonesia.
The group delved into the complexities of the nation’s evolving situation, examining how domestic policies and international influences are shaping the future of the country.
With the political landscape in flux and economic uncertainty looming, the group agreed that careful planning and strategic action were essential to navigating the challenges ahead.
The relaxed atmosphere of the gathering, enhanced by the delicious repast, allowed for an open exchange of ideas. As the event coincided with the approaching time for breaking fast, the participants also shared reflections on the importance of community, cooperation, and mutual understanding in addressing national and international challenges.
This insightful discussion highlighted not only the importance of strengthening ties with Japan and Korea but also the pressing need for strategic collaboration within Indonesia to address the country’s internal issues. It was a reminder that in times of uncertainty, dialogue, and cooperation remain vital in shaping a more prosperous future for Indonesia.
As the event drew to a close, the participants shared a sense of optimism, recognizing that through continued collaboration and thoughtful action, the challenges facing Indonesia could be overcome.
