Jakarta (UNAS) – The English Literature Study Program of the Faculty of Language and Literature (FBS), Universitas Nasional (UNAS), strengthened its international network through an academic discussion entitled “The Image of Russia and BRICS in the Perception of Youth.” The event was conducted online via the Cyber Meeting Room on Monday (22 December 2025) and brought together Indonesian and Russian academics to discuss young people’s perceptions of Russia and BRICS countries.
The discussion was the result of a collaboration between the Faculty of Language and Literature of UNAS and the Knowledge Hub Center of the Russian State University for the Humanities (RSUH). The forum aimed to examine the findings of international research on BRICS youth perspectives regarding global geopolitical dynamics, while also strengthening cross-national collaboration in education, social research, and the humanities.
The event was officially opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Language and Literature UNAS, Nana Yuliana, M.A., M.Si., Ph.D. She emphasized that international academic forums serve as strategic platforms for fostering cross-cultural understanding and broadening students’ perspectives on evolving global issues.
Nana Yuliana also expressed her appreciation to the Russian delegation in attendance, including the Director of the Knowledge Hub Center RSUH, the Head of the Smart Civilization Institute, and the Deputy Director for Research and Analysis, Artur Bogachev. Their presence was regarded as a tangible manifestation of shared commitment to strengthening international academic cooperation.
In her remarks, Nana Yuliana highlighted the 75-year bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Russia. She noted that this relationship was further reinforced through the signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement between the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, and the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, in June 2025, which opened opportunities for cross-sectoral cooperation, including higher education.
“Education is one of the key pillars of the Indonesia–Russia strategic partnership. Therefore, we warmly welcome this collaboration as a concrete step toward strengthening academic cooperation,” she stated.
She added that FBS UNAS signed a memorandum of understanding with Russian partners in November 2025 at the Russian House and organized a joint journalism workshop with Russia Today. Participation in the 20th anniversary celebration of Russia Today in Moscow was also mentioned as an important momentum in strengthening academic and cultural relations between the two countries.
Furthermore, Nana Yuliana emphasized the strategic role of education in supporting human resource development toward Indonesia Emas 2045. Enhancing the quality of higher education, she noted, aligns with the national agenda to improve Indonesia’s global competitiveness.
Currently, the Faculty of Language and Literature UNAS oversees five study programs: English Language and Literature, Japanese Language and Literature, Indonesian Language and Literature, Korean Language, and the Master’s Program in Applied Linguistics. FBS UNAS expressed its readiness to expand cooperation in teaching, research, and community engagement.
Nana Yuliana also highlighted global challenges faced by the education sector, ranging from natural disasters and rapid technological advancement to the use of artificial intelligence in learning and research. She stressed the importance of strengthening academic integrity through the development of supporting technologies, including plagiarism detection systems in the era of AI and social media.
Meanwhile, Kirill Kostin, Director of the Knowledge Hub Center RSUH, introduced the Knowledge Hub as a center for academic and humanitarian cooperation among BRICS countries. He explained that the institution focuses on the development of science, education, and social research through project-based collaboration involving universities, research institutions, and civil society organizations.
Kirill Kostin expressed his appreciation for the sovereign education approach developed by Universitas Nasional. According to him, this approach aligns with BRICS values that emphasize sovereignty, equality, and respect for the traditions and cultures of each member country.
In his presentation, Kirill Kostin shared the results of a large-scale sociological study on youth perceptions in BRICS countries. The research involved approximately 5,500 respondents from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods, including focus group discussions and in-depth interviews.
The findings indicate that BRICS is perceived as an international organization representing values of equality, multipolarity, and national sovereignty. However, young people’s level of understanding of BRICS remains limited and is largely driven by curiosity about the potential benefits of BRICS for their countries’ futures.
To explore perceptions more deeply, the study employed creative approaches based on associations and imagery, such as interpreting countries or BRICS in the form of buildings and animals. Although the results varied, common values emerged, including aspirations for progress, beauty, and sustainable development.
The discussion continued with a presentation by Marine Voskonyan on international strategic communication and the impact of digital technology on public opinion formation. She emphasized the role of digital media in shaping youth perceptions of countries, identity, and global cooperation.
Artur Bogachev highlighted the role of non-governmental organizations in promoting civic participation and youth engagement. Meanwhile, Ivan Kryazhev and Anastasiia Maryina discussed international partnership strategies and inclusive, collaborative public diplomacy to strengthen inter-state relations.
The event concluded with a documentation session and the presentation of commemorative plaques as a symbol of cooperation between Universitas Nasional and the Knowledge Hub Center RSUH. Through this forum, it is expected that sustainable collaboration in research, education, and cross-civilizational dialogue will be fostered, with youth positioned as key actors in global cooperation. (VIN)
