UNAIR NEWS – In the end of August, Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) Universitas Airlangga welcomed the arrival of H.E. Al Busyra Basnur as the Indonesian Ambassador to Africa, Ethiopia and Djibouti. He became a speaker in a guest lecture titled Africa Now! on the opportunities and challenges of cooperation between Indonesia and Africa.
Being held in Adi Sukadana Room, FISIP, the guest lecture was attended by more than 100 students, including exchange students from Africa and Ethiopia. The guest lecture was opened and marked by an opening speech by Head of International Relations Department (HI UNAIR) M. Muttaqien , S.IP., M.A., Ph.D.
“HI UNAIR in general is trying to bring forth the seeds of global strategists who will be able to compete in the global stage. With the presence of Pak Al with us today, I hope all students can be enlightened on how to think like a global strategist , “he said.
Futhermore, Dr., Dra., Pinky Saptandari EP, M.A. as Head of African Studies Center said that there are a lot of misperceptions about Africa. Dr. Pinky hoped the ambassador’s visit could give the right perceptions about Africa.
Dr., Drs., Falih Suaedi M.Si. as the Dean of FISIP UNAIR acknowledged that misperceptions about Africa often occur. The guest lecture was expected to provide new insight, new knowledge, and be able to strengthen relations between Indonesia and Africa.
“Sometimes we forget and underestimate Africa. So far we have had a wrong view. I hope that the arrival of Pak Al, my best friend, can give enlightenment about Africa because Africa is our future, “he said.
In the main session of the event, Al Busyro explained about the potential and challenges that millennial generation must know so that they could be one step ahead in embracing Africa as a region of cooperation in terms of politics, economics, education, and culture.
“Africa, Ethiopia, Djibouti are strategic markets for Indonesia. It is time for you to compete with China, America, France and many other countries. It’s time for you to embrace Africa as a collaborative partner, “said the former Haluan newspaper reporter.
In the end, Al Busyro encouraged all students to foster five youth spirits, trying to recognize themselves, building up networking (relationships), fostering global knowledge, sharpening innovation, and taking advantage of every opportunity. Al Busyro also stressed that one of the main millennial obligations is writing.
“Write, then publish, because that is one way to introduce our potential to the world,” he concluded.
Al Busyro’s visit to UNAIR was carried out after the Indonesia-Africa Infrastructure Dialogue (IAID) was held in Bali on August 20-21, 2019. (*)
Author: Intang Arifia
Editor: Feri Fenoria Rifa’i
