Yogyakarta, Indonesia – 8th 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, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
The event brought together educators, students, and policymakers from ASEAN Plus Three (APT) countries to deepen their understanding of East Asian issues, foster academic collaboration, and enhance people-to-people connectivity. Participants engaged in discussions focused on establishing East Asian Studies programs at universities across the APT region, promoting cultural exchanges, and encouraging cross-border cooperation.
The welcoming dinner featured an array of vibrant cultural performances, including traditional Javanese dances such as Gambyong Tari Anom, Golek Manis, and Double Banyumasan, performed by the UKJGS (Unit Kesenian Jawa Gaya Surakarta) dance group. These performances showcased Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and set an engaging and festive tone for the event.
Mr. Faizal Chery Sidharta, the Director of ASEAN External Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, opened the welcoming dinner by emphasizing the importance of the ASEAN-Plus Three framework, noting, “This has become a critical issue, particularly as we mark the 20th anniversary of ASEAN-Plus Three. There is significant potential for further development in both the APT and East Asian Studies.” He highlighted the potential for further development in both the ASEAN-Plus Three (APT) initiative and East Asian Studies.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T., the Director of CESASS UGM, emphasized the significance of the ASEAN-Plus Three initiative, stating, “With 11 countries actively participating, this program serves to promote East Asian studies and enhance collaboration among universities in the ASEAN-Plus Three countries. Young students are the future leaders, and this initiative prepares them to confront global challenges.”
Drs. Muhadi Sugiono, M.A., the Program Coordinator, warmly welcomed the participants, acknowledging the challenges of attending on short notice. He expressed, “It is a great honor to host you here in Jogja, especially given the difficulties of traveling here on such short notice.” He also took a moment to thank the committee members, asking them to stand and receive a well-deserved round of applause from the audience.
The opening session concluded with Master of Ceremony Rizky Demas Arjunanda outlining the protocols for the following day’s sessions, including dress code and participant guidelines. The day ended with a networking dinner, providing attendees with an opportunity to discuss the event’s themes in a more informal setting.
The ASEAN-Plus Three event at UGM proved to be a successful platform for promoting regional cooperation and addressing global challenges, particularly among ASEAN member states.
About CESASS UGM:
The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is a leading research center dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of Southeast Asia. CESASS UGM conducts research, provides academic programs, and promotes knowledge exchange to deepen understanding of Southeast Asia’s diverse cultures, societies, and development challenges.
About UGM:
Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is a prestigious university located in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It is renowned for its academic excellence, research contributions, and commitment to community engagement. UGM strives to nurture global-minded scholars and leaders who will contribute to the advancement of society.
Writer: Muwalliha Syahdani
Pusat Studi Sosial Asia Tenggara UGM
pssat@ugm.ac.id
(0274) 589658