Coordinating Minister Airlangga Invites UI And UPH Academics To Succeed Indonesia's Presidency At G20

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto (center) when receiving representatives from UI and UPH. (Photo: Doc. Coordinating Ministry)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto as Chair of the Indonesian Presidency at the G20 provided an opportunity for academics from the University of Indonesia (UI) and Pelita Harapan University (UPH) to contribute to the agenda of the meeting of the world's major economies.

According to him, collaboration with the education community is an inclusive step to include every component of the nation in the government's strategic agenda, especially in the global arena.

"Universities will fill the space for discussion and intellectual contributions to sharpen the substance that Indonesia will bring to the G20 next year," he said in a press statement, Monday, June 7.

Airlangga added that this collaboration includes the establishment of an international economic study/research center, provision of experts, seminars, public lectures, to the implementation of internship programs.

In addition, this collaboration is expected to increase public awareness through the academic community towards the G20 event in Indonesia.

“Through this program, the government will maximize the momentum of the Indonesian G20 Presidency to encourage the integration of national campuses in global partnerships. We hope this initiative can be the first in Southeast Asia," he said.

On the same occasion, UI Chancellor Ari Kuncoro explained that a partnership with the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy was needed for the development of insight and also the introduction of problems in the field.

"Universities cannot be smart alone, but there must be experience from the real world as well," he said.

Similarly, UPH Chancellor Jonathan L. Parapak said that his party really appreciated this valuable program.

"I thank you for this trust. We are ready to practice the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, one of which is research,” he said.

The government hopes that this initiative can provide an opportunity to sharpen the capacity and increase the employability of students as well as after college.

In general, the G20 consists of two tracks, namely the Finance Track and the Sherpa Track. The Sherpa Track, which is coordinated by the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will discuss non-financial economic issues.

Indonesia will become Indonesia's G20 Presidency in 2022. Currently, Indonesia has joined the leadership of the G20 Troika with Italy and Saudi Arabia. Previously, at the end of May 2021, President Joko Widodo had issued Presidential Decree (Keppres) No. 12 of 2021 concerning the National Committee for the Organizing of the 2022 G20 Presidency.