Busan, Republic of Korea (August 21–23, 2025)
By Meyta Saraswaty Putri and Ratih Indraswari
Unpar International Relations Department members, Ratih Indraswari, Ph.D., and Meyta Saraswaty Putri, SIP, M.Ikom., MBA., participated in the KIAS–BUFS International Conference titled “Strengthening ASEAN and ROK Relations: Social Capital, Regionalism, and Development in Indo-Pacific” held at Trinity Hall, Busan University of Foreign Studies. The conference brought together leading scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from across ASEAN and the Republic of Korea to address pressing issues such as geopolitical rivalry, regional integration, and sustainable development.
The purpose of this international conference was to provide a collaborative academic platform for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from ASEAN and South Korea to exchange perspectives on key issues shaping the Indo-Pacific region. The discussions centered on the role of social capital, the challenges of regionalism, and the opportunities for sustainable development, with a strong emphasis on how these dynamics influence cooperation between ASEAN member states and South Korea.
In this international forum, Indraswari, an expert on South Korea and ASEAN studies, and Putri, who has extensive experience in the defense industry, presented their research on Indonesia–South Korea Defense Diplomacy, highlighting the strategic potential for increasing cooperation between the two countries. The paper underlined how enhanced defense diplomacy can serve as a pathway for strengthening bilateral relations. By presenting Indonesia’s perspective, Unpar faculty members helped expand critical discussions on how ASEAN–South Korea cooperation can adapt to emerging international challenges.
Participation in this international forum reflects Unpar International Relations Department’s commitment to advancing diplomatic studies and contributing to dialogues that shape regional cooperation. The event also reinforced the vital role of higher education institutions in bridging academic research with real-world international relations.
