EduAsiaNews, Jakarta — The International Relations Student Association (HIMAHI) of Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ) successfully organised an Institutional Visit to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Indonesia as part of the strategic work programme of the Ruang Cita Cabinet for the 2026/2027 period. Held under the theme “The Role of Middle Powers in Multilateralism and Contemporary Global Governance,” the visit provided students with a direct opportunity to engage with prominent academics and policy researchers at the national level. South Jakarta, 26 May 2026.
The activity was initiated by the External Division of HIMAHI as a concrete effort to broaden students’ understanding of the dynamics of international relations — particularly with regard to the role of research and policy institutions in addressing a range of contemporary global challenges. Through this visit, students were given the opportunity to engage in direct discussions with CSIS Indonesia researchers on strategic issues unfolding at both the regional and international levels, while simultaneously sharpening their critical thinking on global political developments and international governance.
The presentation and discussion session featured three speakers from CSIS Indonesia: Ms Lina Alexandra, Head of the Department of International Relations, along with two Senior Researchers from the same department, Mr Muhammad Habib and Mr Andrew Mantong. The speakers discussed Indonesia’s position as a middle power and how middle-power states play a pivotal role in maintaining regional stability through multilateral cooperation and international diplomacy.
During the discussion, the speakers elaborated on Indonesia’s significant role within the ASEAN framework through diplomatic engagement and regional cooperation, with a particular emphasis on normative approaches and soft diplomacy in building relations with Southeast Asian nations. The session also examined the dynamics of international relations amid great-power competition between the United States and China, as well as the importance of countries such as Indonesia and South Korea in forging strategic partnerships and strengthening multilateral ties in order to preserve their room for manoeuvre amidst an ever-evolving global political landscape.
The event proceeded in an interactive manner through a question-and-answer session between students and the speakers, during which participants were invited to share their perspectives and raise questions concerning the concept of middle power, the role of ASEAN, and the challenges faced by developing nations in contemporary global governance. On the sidelines of the event, CSIS Indonesia also shared information regarding its internship programme, which is open across three registration periods for final-year students as well as recent graduates with an interest in politics, economics, social change, and international relations.
Through this Institutional Visit, HIMAHI UPNVJ hopes that students will gain broader new insights and feel increasingly motivated to pursue studies in international relations and the world of policy research in the future. HIMAHI extends its sincere gratitude to all parties involved — particularly CSIS Indonesia — for their warm welcome and enthusiastic support in making this event a success.(www.upnvj.ac.id)
