Depok, July 29th 2023. The School of Strategic and Global Studies (SKSG), Universitas Indonesia (UI) will be holding Archipelagic Joy Sailing and Research activities from today (29/07) to July 31st 2023. The implementation of this activity is in collaboration with Indonesian National Military-Naval Force. 44 SKSG representatives will have first-hand learning experience with the Barracuda—814 Naval Vessel of Republic of Indonesia (KRI) on the outermost islands of DKI Jakarta Province.
KRI Barakuda—814 is the first generation FPB-57 Navy patrol ship designed by Lurssen, Vegesack, Germany. This ship was once used as the Republic of Indonesia’s presidential ship. In this activity, participants will be invited to sail around the Thousand Islands and Untung Jawa Island to see firsthand the potential for the development of various industries in the region.
The Archipelagic Joy Sailing and Research activity is a concrete effort to further animate the land and water of Indonesia as an archipelagic nation. In addition, the purpose of this activity is also to increase awareness of the potential and dynamics of maritime issues, as well as increasing awareness of the sea and coasts welfare. Indonesia’s territory, which mostly consists of water, makes Indonesia a maritime country. This condition needs to be utilized properly and maintained so that it remains sustainable.
According to Prof. Dr. Lydia Freyani Hawadi, Chair of the GB Commission of the SKSG Committee, this Archipelagic Joy Sailing and Research activity received support from the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Naval Force (KASAL), Admiral TNI Dr. Muhammad Ali, XXI Alumni Association of the Indonesian National Defense Institute. “This activity is still part of the series of Focus Group Discussion (FGD) events on Indonesia’s Outlook as an Archipelagic Country Towards 2045 which was held online last March,” said Prof. Lydia.
Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Naval Force (KASAL), Admiral TNI Dr. Muhammad Ali, stated that it was fitting for Indonesia to realize its nature as an archipelagic country. The future of the Indonesian nation, which lies in its ocean, is a shared responsibility and can be achieved through concrete efforts to become a global maritime nation. Indonesia needs to develop the character of a nation that views the sea as the center of gravity in various aspects of life.
“The Indonesian Navy, as the main component, needs the support of reserve components and supporting components so that Indonesia can have strong human resources in the maritime field. Apart from that, it is necessary to increase public awareness regarding the importance of national maritime security,” said Admiral TNI Dr. Muhammad Ali.
The development and strengthening of Indonesia’s character as a maritime nation needs to be carried out jointly across sectors. The goal is for stakeholders to jointly form a better understanding of the sea and various aspects of its management. The expected final results will certainly influence the national development strategy.
The Director of SKSG UI, Athor Subroto Ph.D stated that collaborative activities like this are not only in the context of building networks that support the implementation of the Three Principles of Higher Education (Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi), but are also expected to become a meeting point between theoretical and practical levels so that the results can be implemented and are useful to society.
Based on the context, SKSG is expected to be a center for multidisciplinary and/or inter/transdisciplinary scientific development for strategic and global fields that make positive contributions nationally and internationally. “One of them is the maritime sector, considering that Indonesia is an archipelagic country,” said Athor.
With development that carries a maritime vision, Indonesia can proactively and dynamically protect national interests. In addition, breakthroughs and innovations need to be increased to achieve the goals of Indonesia 2045 and Indonesia as the World Maritime Axis.
Jalesveva Jayamahe, At Sea We’re Glorious.
