UNAIR NEWS – Prof. Baiq Lekar Sinayang Wahyu Wardhani, Dra., M.A., Ph.D., has officially been inaugurated as a full professor in the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR). This prestigious academic honor was conferred during a ceremony held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at the Garuda Mukti Hall on UNAIR’s MERR-C campus. Prof. Wardhani now holds the title of Professor in International Development and Global Issues. On this occasion, she delivered her inaugural lecture titled “Transregionalism as a Future Agenda for Indonesia’s Diplomacy in the Pacific.”
Prof. Wardhani emphasized the importance of the Asia-Pacific region as Indonesia’s closest neighboring area alongside Southeast Asia. However, she noted that Indonesia’s diplomatic attention has largely been concentrated on Southeast Asia, leading to strained relations with Pacific nations and fostering negative perceptions of Indonesia in the region.
Tensions with Pacific countries have been exacerbated by historical events often perceived as signs of Indonesia’s assertiveness, including the occupation of East Timor, the confrontation with Malaysia, and ongoing controversies over Papua’s independence. These challenges, she explained, necessitate concerted efforts to mend Indonesia’s damaged diplomatic ties with the South Pacific.
Efforts to enhance Indonesia’s image
Prof. Wardhani outlined Indonesia’s strategies to address its tarnished reputation in the Pacific.
“We’ve pursued numerous strategies to win their trust and build stronger relationships, from technology and cultural engagement to economic collaboration and organizational partnerships such as through dialogue partnerships and membership in the Pacific Islands Forum,” she said.
Vision for future diplomacy
The concept of transregionalism, Prof. Wardhani argued, represents a promising pathway for Indonesia’s future diplomatic efforts in the Pacific. This approach, she added, aligns with Indonesia’s aspiration to emerge as a global power, particularly through its leadership in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific.
“Indonesia must adopt innovative and forward-thinking approaches without discarding its existing strategies. This is what I call the transregionalism initiative,” she explained.
As Indonesia looks to its centennial as an great independent nation in 2045, Prof. Wardhani emphasized the importance of fulfilling the responsibilities that come with being a major player on the global stage.
“Becoming a great nation is not just a title; it comes with significant obligations, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region,” she stated.
Prof. Wardhani highlighted Indonesia’s potential as a neutral and active global actor, pointing to its free and independent foreign policy as a foundation for transregional leadership. “Indonesia has the capacity to act as a facilitator, mediator, stabilizer, and bridge between Southeast Asia and the South Pacific,” she noted.
Transregionalism, she explained, is an inclusive framework that allows various actors—ranging from states and international organizations to corporations and individuals—to participate in fostering diplomatic relations. This inclusivity, she concluded, positions transregionalism as a cornerstone of Indonesia’s future diplomatic agenda.
Author: Syifa Rahmadina
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
