The event is a strategic partnership between Indonesia’s Defense University (Unhan) and King’s College London, aiming to integrate academic research with national defense and security strategies, Christie said in Jakarta on Thursday.
“Indonesia must stand on its own feet while playing an active global role through international cooperation for the common good,” she said, highlighting the importance of both sovereignty and collaboration.
Christie emphasized that national security and resilience are critical assets for any country, often forming the most protected elements in geopolitical strategy, she added.
She stressed that defense and resilience initiatives should be rooted in universities like Unhan, involving students, faculty, and Indonesia’s broader defense community in research and strategic thinking.
Strengthening these capabilities requires sustainable development of human resources and expansion of science and technology capacity, Christie said, linking education with national competitiveness.
This aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive that mastery of science and technology is central to Indonesia’s national competitiveness and global standing.
Christie urged universities to transform into research-oriented institutions, where teaching is integrated with practical research initiatives, particularly in defense-related fields.
“It is no coincidence that the Ministry promotes these initiatives, including defense research. We must excel in research,” Christie said, emphasizing science as a foundation of national resilience.
Unhan Rector Jonni Mahroza said universities serve not just as knowledge centers but as laboratories for future-oriented thinking in defense and security.
He added the program reflects a shared commitment to turning cooperation into meaningful academic engagement, idea exchange, and capacity building for future leaders.
“The Unhan–King’s College London partnership represents a shared commitment to strategic thinking, ethical leadership, and critical thinking skills,” Jonni said, underscoring the value of international academic collaboration.
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Translator: Sean Filo, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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