[Unpad Media Channel] The International Affairs Office at Universitas Padjadjaran, in collaboration with the British Embassy Jakarta, hosts the 2025 Ambassadors Guest Lecture Series under the theme “UK Foreign Policy in Contemporary Global Affairs”. The event takes place in the Multi-purpose Room, Building 2, 4th Floor, Universitas Padjadjaran campus, Bandung, on Friday, May 16th, 2025. The lecture featured representatives from the British Embassy, who discusses the role and direction of the United Kingdom’s foreign policy amid today’s dynamic geopolitical landscape
“Currently, the UK and Indonesia are working toward a strategic partnership to realize the full potential of our bilateral relations, including in the fields of foreign policy and security. By strengthening cooperation in cybersecurity, we aim to continue our collaboration with Indonesia in counterterrorism efforts to ensure safety and security for all,” said Matthew Downing, Deputy British Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, who was the featured speaker at this year’s guest lecture series.
Downing emphasized the UK’s commitment to supporting Indonesia in strengthening its fisheries fleet to combat illegal fishing and promote sustainable use of marine resources. In terms of human capital development, both nations are enhancing cooperation in education, healthcare, research, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence. The UK is also exploring collaboration on a school nutrition program, one of Indonesia’s national priorities.
Furthermore, Downing addresses the challenges and uncertainties of the current global situation, acknowledging how such times can lead younger generations, particularly students, to feel discouraged about the future. Nevertheless, he underscores the importance of maintaining hope.
“Hope is a powerful force. It keeps us moving forward, enduring hard times, and believing in the possibility of a better future. Your capabilities are needed now more than ever. The greater the challenge, the greater the opportunity to shine. The more difficult the situation, the more room there is for change,” remarker Downing.
Prof. Rizky Abdulah, Vice Rector for Research, Collaboration, and Marketing at Unpad, also deliveres opening remarks. He encourages students to make the most of this opportunity to engage directly with the Deputy Ambassador and explore potential career paths, given Indonesia’s growing role in regional and global diplomacy.
“This lecture series, with its focus on UK foreign policy in the context of contemporary global affairs, is highly relevant for students. They gain valuable insights into real diplomatic experiences from a senior UK diplomat, which can serve as inspiration for their future careers,” said Prof. Rizky.
The collaboration between Universitas Padjadjaran and the British Embassy is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations and open new avenues for human resource development in response to an ever-evolving global landscape. This event marks a significant opportunity for Unpad students to broaden their perspectives and deepen their understanding of foreign policy dynamics, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the future of Indonesian diplomacy.*
