Depok, November 13th 2023. In developing social values and maintaining the existence of a nation, it is very important for a country to collaborate and establish international relations. This is similar to what Indonesia and Korea have been doing, as their diplomatic relations have entered their 50th year this year. One of the aims of this collaboration is to introduce local cultural values to the international community and encourage easier exchange of information.
For this reason, in order to celebrate diplomatic relations between Indonesia and South Korea in 2023, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) Universitas Indonesia (UI) held a seminar entitled “The Korean Wave: Bridging Cultures and Nations in Indonesia and South Korea” at the Mochtar Riady Auditorium, UI Depok Campus. This activity aimed to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the social and cultural fields in the future between the two countries.
In her remarks, the Vice Dean for Education, Research and Student Affairs, Nurul Isnaeni, Ph.D., stated that this activity was a continuation of the collaboration between FISIP UI and the Korea Foundation in May 2023. She hoped that this cooperation will continue and bridge the two countries in the diplomatic field, especially culture and education in both countries. “FISIP UI provides opportunities and support for academics specifically to carry out collaborative research and continue their education in South Korea,” said Nurul.
In its implementation, this seminar presented several speakers including Vice President of The World Association for Hallyu Studies, Korea University Prof. Andrew Eungi Kim; CNN Indonesia Journalist Riva Dessthania Suastha; Awardee of KOICA Scholarship, Yonsei University Dini Hariyani, M.eGM.; and moderated by one of the FISIP UI lecturers, Getar Hati, Ph.D. In the presentation delivered by Prof. Kim on Monday (6/11), he said that relations between Indonesia and South Korea are good, especially in the cultural sector. South Korea is trying to develop a strategy to promote culture to other countries, including Indonesia.
One thing that is currently attracting people’s attention is the Korean Wave phenomenon that has hit Indonesian society in recent years. This cultural wave, marked by the enormous popularity of Korean music, films, and television series, has captured the imagination and enthusiasm of Indonesians of all ages. Prof. Kim said that there needs to be efforts from the Indonesian government to equalize relations between cultures, starting from educational cooperation, student exchanges, and providing scholarships for Indonesian citizens who are interested in studying in South Korea. On the other hand, there is also a need for cooperation and support for South Korean citizens to be able to study in Indonesia.
The Korea Foundation is an organization from Korea affiliated with the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs that is appointed to promote public diplomacy. The organization also aims to increase awareness and good understanding of Korea throughout the international community through various activities.
Author: Public Relations FISIP
Editor: Maudisha
