Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Universities in Indonesia need to open ASEAN studies programs, the Foreign Affairs Ministry`s Director General for ASEAN Cooperation Djauhari Oratmangun said.

"Indonesia is one of the founders of ASEAN, therefore it is necessary for us to have an ASEAN study program taught in our universities to socialize ASEAN more to the people," he said here on Thursday when visiting ANTARA News Agency`s office in Central Jakarta.

He said during the past year he had talked to several national universities in Indonesia regarding his proposal about ASEAN study program. However, only several education institutions realize the proposal such as the Bakrie University, the Habibie Center and 17 Agustus University.

Djauhari expressed hope the establishment of ASEAN study program in Indonesian universities could boost more national and international students to study in Indonesia.

ASEAN consists of ten members namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, The Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar.

Taking charge as ASEAN Chairman in 2011, Indonesia has set a target of making ASEAN a more people-centered and people-driven organization.(*)

Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
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