Bandung, November 24, 2025 — Parahyangan Center for International Studies (PACIS) held a Workshop on the Development of Introductory Books on International Relations (PIHI), aimed at strengthening the foundation of basic IR teaching materials and formulating learning strategies that are more adaptive to academic needs and global dynamics. This activity was led by Mr. Yulis Purwadi Hermawan, Drs., MA, Ph.D. and presented lecturers of International Relations from various universities in Indonesia, including Prof. Baiq Wardhani, Ph.D (Airlangga University); Dr. Sugeng Riyanto (Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta); Arditya E. Yeremia Lalisang (University of Indonesia); Ishaq Rahman, SIP., MA (Hasanuddin University); Putu Titah Kawitri Resen, SIP., MA (Udayana University); Dr. Yusnarida Eka Nizmi (University of Riau); Melly Norviyani, S.Sos., MM., MA (Brawijaya University); Idil Syafwi, SIP., M.Sc. (Parahyangan Catholic University); Angguntari C. Sari, Ph.D., and Dian Mutmainah, S.IP., MA (Parahyangan Catholic University). In this workshop, the speakers shared their views on the pedagogical approach, material structure, and references used in implementing PIHI as a fundamental course for first-semester students.
During the discussion, the presenters highlighted PIHI’s position as a foundational course that shapes students’ initial understanding of the discipline of International Relations, from basic concepts and the history of scientific development, actors in the international system, to an introduction to paradigms and global issues. Several lecturers emphasised the importance of a teaching approach that is not only theoretical but also encourages critical understanding through case studies, reflection, and connections to the realities of Indonesian foreign policy.
The speakers also discussed the use of various international and national references that are the primary references in compiling PIHI materials, including International Relations by Joshua S. Goldstein & Jon C. Pevehouse, Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches by Robert Jackson & Georg Sørensen, and Essentials of International Relations by Karen A. Mingst & Ivan M. Arreguín-Toft. A new, student-friendly, visual, and interactive teaching approach is also a critical highlight for maintaining students’ interest in International Relations from the first semester onward.
The workshop produced several recommendations, one of which was the development of an Indonesian-language PIHI Basic Book as a learning supplement designed to be more flexible and tailored to the needs of today’s academic generation. The book is intended to complement, not replace, primary references. It will incorporate a learning structure from lectures, complemented by an Indonesian perspective and a user-friendly presentation, including graphs, illustrations, and concise visuals of theoretical concepts. It is also hoped that the book will serve as an academic promotional tool to foster interest in the study of International Relations among young people.
