The UI Archipelago Forum was inaugurated to coincide with the launch of the book Negara Arsipelago Indonesia 2045, on Friday (10/11). Located in the Smart Meeting Room of the FTUI Dean’s Building, the event was organised by the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Indonesia (FTUI) together with the University of Indonesia’s School of Strategic and Global Studies (SKSG UI), the University of Indonesia Alumni Association (ILUNI UI), and the Directorate General (Dirjen) of Sea Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenhub RI).
The inauguration was opened by Idris Hadi Sikumbang, ST. M.Eng, MSi., author of the book Negara Archipelago Indonesia 2045, said “This moment reminds me of 20 years ago, right on the same day and place, we ABG (Academician, Businessman, and Government) united in overcoming the unrest due to the many flying foreign flags in Tanjung Priok waters at that time. From these problems, ABG continues to be a place of action to fight for Indonesia’s maritime progress. Our good intentions have positive energy in building unity and struggle, which is not an easy journey. We are united in the word “sovereignty” which then becomes a burning spirit in fighting for maritime Indonesia. We believe this forum will be a tool in preparing for the Indonesian Archipelago 2045.”
FTUI’s Vice Dean for Education, Research and Student Affairs, Prof Yanuar, also gave his remarks at the book launch and inauguration of the UI Indonesian Archipelago forum, “This is a special moment. The inauguration of the forum and the launch of this book are reminders that Indonesia has advantages in the maritime sector that need to be supported. Let us support this forum and this work. Hopefully, it will be a starting point for a bright, sustainable future in strengthening Indonesia’s maritime sector.”
Followed by a keynote speech from the Indonesian Minister of Transportation, represented by the Director General of Sea Transportation, Dr. Capt. Antoni Arif Priadi, M.Sc., that “This forum will accommodate to place islands, minerals, and commodities. How we discuss the way Indonesia sees the world and the world sees Indonesia. Hopefully, our efforts can create awareness in the community that the sea is also an important aspect in the sustainability of Indonesia.”
The event continued with the signing of the Indonesian Archipelago charter and the handing over of the State of Indonesian Archipelago 2045 book by Prof Abimanyu to the guests symbolically.
The most anticipated session was the book presentation by the author of State of Indonesian Archipelago 2045, Prof. Dr. Ir. Abhimanyu Takdir Alamsyah, Dipl.DP., MS. “Education about Indonesian archipelago is important. In the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, thematic, research, and the result is community service. The context of the archipelago is already stated in the song Indonesia Raya, which clearly states that this country is the homeland. The land is the island, the water is the sea. This fact is the identity of the Indonesian Nation, a hierarchy that cannot be separated. So, the Indonesian archipelago must be formulated regarding the situation today, and what will happen in the next 20 years towards 100 years of the State of Indonesia,” said Prof Abim.
Dean of FTUI, Prof. Dr Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU said, “The opening of the UI Archipelago Forum is a very relevant step in the context of Indonesia’s position in the world. As an archipelago nation rich in cultural diversity, natural resources, and innovation potential, Indonesia has an important role in realising solutions to global challenges. FTUI as a higher education institution that excels in engineering and applied sciences has a great responsibility to play an active role in scientific and technological development that can have a positive impact on society and the world.”
Indonesia’s archipelago is important to the world. Indonesians cannot deny that as an archipelago, the sea is a major resource. This condition is a strong hierarchy. When it comes to the question of what theory is fundamental to the Indonesian Nation when building the Republic, it is actually in the definition of the archipelago. When the Republic of Indonesia does not make the archipelago surrounded by water its centrepiece, the country’s storyline comes to an end.
Indonesia is a country that plays a major role in its position as G20 presidency. It is undeniable that the economies of the North, South, West and East cannot be separated from this country. China, with its South China Sea and its neighbouring countries, is closely linked to Indonesia.
The UI Indonesian Archipelago Forum will be a forum for academics, business people, and the government to advance Indonesia’s maritime affairs. This forum is ready to be a means of preparing the Indonesian Archipelago 2045. The Archipelago Indonesia UI office is located in the Integrated Creative Engineering Learning and Lab (i-CELL) Building at FTUI.
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Public Communication Office
Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia