Yogyakarta, Indonesia – 8th September 2024: Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) held the ASEAN Plus Three event, bring together delegates from 11 plus three (10 member states, 1 observers plus China, Japan and South Korea) countries to discuss and strengthen regional ties among member states.
Opening ceremony was presented with Javanese dances, Gambyong Tari Anom, Golek Manis, and Double Banyumasan, performed by the UKJGS (Unit Kesenian Jawa Gaya Surakarta), a dance club from Faculty of Cultural Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada. These performances highlighted Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and set an immersive atmosphere for the event.
In her opening remarks, Professor Rini–Director of the CESASS–emphasized the importance of the ASEAN Plus Three initiative, stating, “With 11 countries now involved, this program fosters East Asian studies and collaboration among universities in ASEAN +3 countries. Young students are the future leaders, and they are being prepared to tackle global challenges.”
Drs. Muhadi Sugiono warmly welcomed the participants, recognizing the difficulties of attending the APT Student Camp on short notice. He expressed, “It is a great honor to serve you here in Jogja, especially given the difficulty of reaching here in such a short time.” Muhadi also shows his gratitude to the committee members, when he asked the committee to stand up, receiving warm applause all over the room.
Faizal Chery Sidharta, Director of ASEAN Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underlined the significance of the ASEAN Plus Three meetings, noting, “This is an emerging issue, particularly since the establishment of ASEAN Plus Three 20 years ago. There are substantial potentials for further development in APT and East Asian Studies.”
The opening session also included an explanation of tomorrow’s session code of conduct, done by Master of Ceremony, Rizky Demas Arjuna, covering the dress code and other guidelines. The opening concluded with dinner, offering attendees the opportunity to network and greet each other in a more casual setting.
The ASEAN Plus Three event at UGM was evident for fostering regional cooperation and addressing future global challenges especially among ASEAN Member States and Partner Countries.
Reporter: Muwalliha Syahdani
Pusat Studi Sosial Asia Tenggara UGM
pssat@ugm.ac.id
(0274) 589658