Yogyakarta, Indonesia – 11th September 2024: The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) at Universitas Gadjah Mada, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, with support from the ASEAN Secretariat, successfully organized the ASEAN-Plus Three International Seminar on East Asian Studies at ASEAN-Plus Three Countries Universities and the ASEAN-Plus Three Student Camp from September 9–11, 2024, at the UC Hotel UGM Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Zaky and Shyna, as Master of Ceremony, began with introducing and welcoming all participants from all the countries participating. Drs. Muhadi Sugiono then delivered a speech summarizing the previous three days’ accomplishments. “I still see the same enthusiasm as we had during the opening ceremony. We have built connections and shared meaningful experiences. Despite the packed schedule, the spirit remains high. I also extend my gratitude to the Directorate of ASEAN Cooperation, the Directorate of Socio-Cultural Cooperation, and the Ministry for Education,” said Drs. Muhadi.
One of the key highlights of the closing ceremony was the presentation of the Jogja Declaration on East Asian Identities by David and Keyzha as the student representatives. The declaration, representing the collaborative spirit and solidarity among the ASEAN Plus Three member states, was handed over to Drs. Muhadi Sugiono, the APT coordinator, was welcomed with tremendous applause.
The ceremony concluded with a group photo capturing the moment between the participants and representatives from the Directorate of ASEAN Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Indonesia.
Continued to the next session, it featured a cultural performance by SWAGAYUGAMA as well as a screening showing of video competition submissions. Videos from Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand were shown. Two prizes were presented: Best Performance and Most Favorite Video, with the latter decided by the participants by voting.
As dinner was served, attendees enjoyed a performance of “Sekar Pudyastuti Wetah,” or The Blossoming Flower of Reverence and Praise, by SWAGAYUGAMA. This was followed by additional artistic performances from participants representing the Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Timor Leste.
The closing ceremony concluded with a group photo with ASEAN-Style, bringing together all delegates from ASEAN member states, observers, and Plus Three countries. The Masters of Ceremony close the closing ceremony with a thank you to all the participants, marking the end of a successful ASEAN Plus Three gathering.
Reporter: Muwalliha Syahdani
Pusat Studi Sosial Asia Tenggara UGM
pssat@ugm.ac.id
(0274) 589658