UPH had just gotten the honor to take part in international peace and security. This was based on the election of Indonesia as one of the non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. UPH’s involvement in the Security Council is established through a seminar entitled ‘Indonesia’s Diplomatic Strategy as the Non-Permanent Member of United Nation’s Security Council’ on January 22, 2019, in the MYC Building of UPH Lippo Village.
This time, the International Relation major of UPH has been trusted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to become the place for students to convey their ideas in relation to international security through a guest lecture brought by Febrian A. Ruddyard, Directorate General of Multilateral Cooperation Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Prof. Aleksius Jemadu, Ph.D., Dean of Faculty of Social and Political Science.
This seminar was followed by approximately 200 students of UPH International Relation batch 2018. Although these students are new to the program, they proposed a lot of critical ideas to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, some of them are: 1. Indonesia needs to control its abilities and uniqueness in the United Nation’s Security Council in order to build a just democracy, and at the same time maintain its high economic growth; 2. Indonesia needs to encourage the dialogue about denuclearization in the Korean peninsula between United States and North Korea to create regional stability in order to maintain Asia’s economic growth momentum; 3. Hopefully, Indonesia can keep fighting terrorism actively. If needed, Indonesia should offer de-radicalization program to the UN’s Security Council aside from using repressive measures, just like what Indonesia has been doing.
As it is known, the United Nations’ Security Council has become really important since World War II, up until now. Aleksius also stated that his role is really significant in terms of keeping international safety and security. “In accordance to its constitution, Indonesia should help maintain the world peace. We must be grateful and proud because Indonesia has been trusted by the International world,” said Aleksius.
In accordance to that, Director General Febrian also explained that the Security Council position comes with a great authority; when a decision is made, all the other members have to follow.
“Because of that, the membership requirements are really selective and competitive. This membership is not always easy, and it’s really prestigious; it’s not just a symbol, it’s about having the ability to take part in managing and in contributing towards the variety of conflicts and issues all around the world.”
Moreover, Director General also said that becoming a part of the Security Council is not a matter of benefits, but it is about privilege.
“A country with experience and strength has to contribute to the creation of peace. So it is a privilege, for a country that has experienced democracy, stability, and development as well as the ability and capacity to practice and create peace, must be in the Security Council. Indonesia deserves to be in the Security Council of United Nations,” he emphasized.
Aleksius explained that the guest lecture was held to make sure that students are not just learning from the textbook; that they got the information from an experienced profile from the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
“This was held to enrich their knowledge and get them inspired, as well as to understand how diplomacy is practiced in real situation, and also how can Indonesia become a part of the Security Council with such competitiveness. More importantly, they need to know how to get involved in providing solutions for international security issues,” he added.
The participants were looking pretty enthusiastic about the seminar, some of them asked several questions about the things they will be learning in next year’s curriculum.
“This seminar is really informative, especially for International Relation students. We can learn many things from here. UPH is really special because it can present such a renowned key speaker like Mr. Febri. I’m really grateful,” said Tirta, a student of UPH International Relation batch 2018.