For Puan, The Development Of Science And Technology Is Still Mandatory To Prioritize Cultural Values

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives Puan Maharani attended the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the implementation of consortium cooperation between a number of universities in Indonesia and Pukyong National University (PKNU), South Korea. Puan also emphasized the importance of developing science and technology (Iptek) which must prioritize noble cultural values.

This FGD was held at the Semarang State University (UNNES) campus, Semarang, Thursday, June 22. This event was also attended by the President of PKNU, Prof. Dr. Jang Young-soo, including the Mayor of Semarang Hevearita Gunaryanti Rahayu, the Chancellor of UNNES Prof. Dr S Martono MSi, as well as representatives of other universities.

In her speech, Puan expressed her happiness because she was able to meet again with representatives from PKNU. As is known, Puan received the Honoris Causa Doctorate for Political Affairs from PKNU in November 2022 in Busan, South Korea (South Korea).

Bilateral relations between Indonesia and South Korea are now entering the age of 50 years. Puan told how warm the relationship between her and the family with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol when she came to South Korea last year, she and the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia Megawati Soekarnoputri, who is also her mother, was warmly treated at Yoon Suk-yeol's private residence.

At the G20 Summit in Bali yesterday, First Lady Kim Keon Hee called me to say hello. So the warmth of the relationship between South Korea and Indonesia is like family," explained Puan.

Puan hopes that the relationship between Indonesia and South Korea will be closer. Especially in cooperation in the field of education.

"The education sector can also contribute to improving the development of science and technology in one country. This is a necessity at this time if a country wants to develop into a developed country," he said.

"In addition, the superior education sector can also improve the quality of human resources in one country," continued Puan.

Cooperation in inter-state education, which usually involves the younger generation, will also contribute to increasing the closeness of individuals in relations between countries. According to Puan, this will be the capital for the progress of the country.

"A broad relationship between the younger generation between countries will be an investment for the solid relationship between Indonesia and Korea in the future," explained the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

Puan also said that education can provide direction for the development of science and technology that can provide a more prosperous life. Even so, he stressed that the advancement of science and technology should not actually become a boomerang.

"We want science and technology, civilization will further glorify human values and preserve the noble environment and culture," said Puan.

If the progress of science and technology does not pay attention to noble values, it is feared that human relations will be isolated. Puan detailed, be it family relations, community relations, as well as culture and the environment.

"This is our common challenge, to be able to build a world of education that is increasingly able to create social, economic, political, cultural, which is increasingly civilized and humanist," he said.

Regarding educational relations, universities in Indonesia have been encouraged to collaborate with universities or research institutions in various countries such as South Korea with a focus on various fields.

Puan also emphasized the importance of encouraging the delivery of students to study abroad. It is known that in 2021, there will be 2000 Indonesian students sent to South Korea for education.

"I hope this scientific forum can continue to encourage the closer cooperation between Indonesia and Korea, especially to advance scientific education, innovation and technology," he said.

With the cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea in the field of education, Puan also hopes that in the future there will be more programs that will benefit the two countries. Such as student carpentry, exchange of educators to research programs and innovation development.

"I hope that more and more efforts will be built between universities and research institutions of the two countries to work together in conducting joint research, creating innovations, and developing the best practices," said Puan.

The FGD event, which was held at UNNES, was also attended by representatives of other universities in collaboration with PKNU. The President of PKNU, Jang Young-soo also specifically gave appreciation to Puan.

"Thank you Mrs. Puan Maharani for promoting and facilitating the collaboration between Pukyong University and univeristas-universitas in Indonesia," said Jang Young-soo.

The same thing was conveyed by the Chancellor of UNNES, Martono. He hopes that the cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea will increase.

"We hope to build more partnerships and strengthen cooperation in various fields," said Martono.