Yogyakarta—Education and culture are two elements that are closely related to the practice of state diplomacy. This is because both have broad coverages, flexible distribution patterns and can reach various levels of society.

Under the theme of these two elements, Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII had the opportunity to listen to a direct presentation from the House of Representatives’ Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) during a guest lecture held at UII’s Prof. Dr. Sardjito Auditorium on Tuesday, 7 February 2023.

The lecture took place for BKSAP SDG’s Day, bring the theme “Optimizing Parliamentary Soft Power Diplomacy through Education and Cultural Exchange”.

Participating in this event were UII Vice Rector for Academic & Research Development Prof. Dr. Jaka Nugraha, S.Si., M.Si., Vice Rector for Student, Religious, & Alumni Affairs Dr. Drs. Rohidin, S.H., M.Ag., Vice Rector for Partnership & Entrepreneurship Ir. Wiryono Raharjo, M.Arch., Ph.D., lecturers and students.

Present from the BKSAP were Deputy Chairman Dr. H. Mardani Ali Sera, M. Eng., Hj. Sakinah Aljufri, S. Ag., Puteri Anetta Komarudin, B. Com., and Putu Supadma Rudana, M.B.A.

Ir. Wiryono expressed his gratitude as this activity further expanded UII’s good relations with government institutions. He also mentioned some of UII’s achievements that he said were closely related to education and cultural exchange.

Similarly, Mardani Ali Sera expressed his gratitude for UII’s warm welcome. He hoped this event could be a small joint contribution by both institutions to develop the country through meetings with the academic communities.

Mardani Ali Sera believed that the legislative body could only work optimally when there was synergy with academics.

“This program is crucial because our legislative, budgeting and supervisory roles will only be sharp, precise, synergistic and optimal if we get input from academics,” he said.

During the discussion session moderated by UII Executive Secretary of Hangga Fathana, S.IP., B.Int.St., M.A., Mardani Ali Sera explained briefly about BKSAP. The organization is tasked with carrying out one of the additional functions within the House, namely diplomacy. A concrete example of the implementation is the establishment of inter-parliamentary diplomatic relations that jointly produce policies or address certain issues.

As a second track diplomacy, BKSAP works in a more flexible manner but still follows the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This way, BKSAP can form collaborations with parliaments from other countries, a practice that is different with other diplomatic bodies. (VIP Magazine Vol 10)