UNAIR NEWS – As part of its efforts to enhance international relations, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) conducted a strategic visit to the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The delegates, seven lecturers and two teaching assistants, traveled to Malaysia on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, with the aim of strengthening its partnership with the Consulate and exploring future opportunities for mutual cooperation.
The Consul General of Indonesia in Johor Bahru, Sigit Suryantoro Widiyanto, an alumnus of FISIP UNAIR, personally welcome the delegates. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss several key issues, including diplomatic conditions in Johor Bahru and the challenges faced by Indonesian citizens (WNI) living there. Widiyanto outlined several problems affecting Indonesians in Johor Bahru, such as migration issues, border security, and access to education for the children of migrant workers.
Collaboration opportunities
Widiyanto also emphasized the vital role that academics can play in contributing to the resolution of these challenges through targeted research. In this context, the Consulate General of Indonesia in Johor Bahru offered FISIP UNAIR opportunities for collaboration on research projects related to these issues. The visit also explored other potential areas for partnership, including internship programs for FISIP students at the Consulate and other long-term collaborative efforts.
In addition to formal discussions, the FISIP UNAIR delegation was invited to tour the Indonesian Community Center at the Consulate. The delegates observed consular processes, including passport and visa issuance, and gained insight into the services provided by the Consulate to Indonesian nationals in the region.
Agastya Wardhana, a lecturer in International Relations and one of FISIP UNAIR delegates, noted that the visit was eye-opening, particularly concerning the complexities of the issues faced by Indonesians in Johor Bahru.
“We now have a clearer understanding that many of the challenges in Johor Bahru intersect with our areas of study. We hope to contribute further in addressing these issues through research and community service,” he stated.
This strategic visit marks an important first step in strengthening ties between FISIP UNAIR and the Indonesian Consulate General in Johor Bahru. With new opportunities for collaboration in research and internship programs, FISIP UNAIR continues to demonstrate its commitment to addressing critical societal issues both domestically and internationally.
Author: Humas FISIP UNAIR
