On June 24, 2025, the PACIS team received a visit from the Policy Strategy Center for the Americas and Europe, the Foreign Policy Strategy Agency (BSKLN), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, led by Ms. Spica Tutuhatunewa as Head of the Policy Strategy Center for the Americas and Europe. During the meeting, plans for enhancing cooperation between the Policy Strategy Center for the Americas and Europe and the Parahyangan Center for International Studies (PACIS) at Unpar were discussed.
During the meeting, both teams shared their views on the current global situation, which is experiencing turmoil and uncertainty, including the current situation in the Middle East following President Trump’s attack on three Iranian nuclear sites and its impact on the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, as well as between Israel and Hamas.
The Chair of PACIS delivered a presentation on PACIS’s research focus and activities over the past two years. Four flagship programs are currently being developed: ASEAN Smart City Networks (ASCN), Digital & Soft Power Diplomacy, Green Economy & Carbon Market, and Geopolitical Transformation. PACIS has 29 members, each with expertise in specific fields that support these four areas of focus.
Ms. Annisa Wiharani, a PACIS member, explained the collaboration between Unpar and the European Union Delegation to Indonesia, which has been formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The European Union Delegation stated that their current focus is on how the European Union positions itself in a multipolar world, as well as long-term strategies. The European Union sees the potential of Asia, which has great opportunities due to its demographic influence and large youth population. The emphasis is on “youth diplomacy” and regulatory cooperation in the economic field. Ms. Annisa proposed an initiative to develop a strategic policy brief related to the Indonesia-EU dialogue as a form of cooperation between PACIS and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Head of the Policy Strategy Center for the Americas and Europe presented the results of collaboration with Kompas’ Research and Development Division in conducting a national survey to assess the visibility and presence of European Union countries in the eyes of the Indonesian public. The survey covered 34 provinces and reached 1,200 people from those areas.
The survey results indicate that the visibility and presence of European Union countries in the eyes of the Indonesian public remain relatively low, particularly in terms of their role, contributions, and relevance in global issues and bilateral cooperation. This poses a challenge for the Policy Strategy Center for the Americas and Europe to devise effective communication and public diplomacy strategies. Meanwhile, Europe itself exports many policies and regulations (anomalies).
Current issues of concern include the implementation of trade tariffs and regulations by Donald Trump under the “Led by the US” concept. In Latin America, key issues include wheat, minerals, and language barriers. In Western Europe, significant attention is given to the EUDR, environmental regulations, and the rise of right-wing parties. In Northern Europe, significant attention is given to renewable energy and energy transition. In Eastern Europe, the Russia-Ukraine and Turkey issues continue to dominate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ attention.
Both parties agreed to continue enhancing cooperation, including by preparing an extension of the MoU between Unpar and BSKLN Kemenlu. The MoU serves as the foundation for policy research collaboration related to the Americas and Europe, internship opportunities for Unpar students, the organization of guest lectures, and other activities that can support Indonesia’s diplomacy with countries in the Americas and Europe, as well as enhancing the knowledge and skills of PACIS researchers and Unpar students.
During the meeting, the Center for Policy Strategy on the Americas and Europe was represented by Ms. Spica A Tutuhatunewa, Mr. Arsi Dwinugraha Firdausy (Head of the North America Region Team), Ms. Monica Sonya Maria (Young Diplomat), Mr. Reinhart (Young Diplomat), and Ms. Sifelia (First Secretary).
From PACIS, Yulius P Hermawan, Annisa Wiharani, Kishino Bawono, and Nazwa and Genoveva K Putryanti attended as members of the PACIS management and development team, along with Gabriela Davinci and Warren Christoper as students writing theses related to Europe.
Written by: Gabriella Amerin Davinci and Nazwa
