Jakarta, June 7, 2021 – A partnership agreement between the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs and Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) has been officially signed by Dr. Ir. Rizal Affandi Lukman, M.A., Deputy for the Coordination of International Economic Partnerships, and Rector of UPH, and witnessed by DR. (H.C) Ir. Airlangga Hartanto, M.B.A., M.M.T., the current Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs in the “Indonesia Maju” Cabinet. This three-year agreement focuses on improving institutional relationships between the government and the academic sector, two critical stakeholders that complement each other’s roles in building international economic partnerships. For example, this cooperation involves the establishment of the Group of Twenty (G20) Study Center, internship programs for UPH students, and development trainings for staff on matters related to international economic partnerships.

In his introductory remarks at the signing event, Susiwijono Moegiarso, S.E., M.E., Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs and Head of the Secretariat of the Sherpa and Finance Track, explains that this partnership is conducted in preparation for the 2022 G20 Summit. According to Presidential Decree No. 12 issued on May 27, 2021, the G20 National Committee is authorized to cooperate with other stakeholders who can support the execution of the summit. “Through the creation of the G20 Study Center with academic institutions, we hope to assist the G20 National Committee in the process of research, innovation, and expert selection for the upcoming G20 Summit, which will ensure the success of the event,” explains Susiwijono Moegiarso.

According to Airlangga in his speech, “The partnership with UPH was pursued due to the availability and quality of academic resources at the institution, along with its interest to delve into international economic issues, especially those regarding the G20. I hope that the collaboration with Universitas Pelita Harapan will pioneer new partnerships with other higher education institutions. Furthermore, it will open new learning opportunities for UPH students undergoing the internship program.”

DR. (H.C) Jonathan L. Parapak, M.Eng.Sc., Rector of UPH, welcomes this partnership enthusiastically, as it is a productive contribution that will enhance multilateral cooperation between the academic community and other relevant stakeholders: “I am certainly grateful that UPH has been given the opportunity to support the government in preparing for this important program and UPH is committed to ensuring that it will be a success. This partnership is a great opportunity to enrich the educational experience at UPH.”

Dr. Naniek N. Setijadi, S.Pd., M.Si., Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, and her colleagues also express positive sentiments over UPH’s designation as a partner of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, specifically in the establishment of the G20 Study Center that will be located in UPH campus. According to Naniek, “This appointment is an honor for UPH, especially the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, as it entrusts UPH with the opportunity to support research activities and discussion forums. The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences is also equipped with highly qualified researchers and facilities to run the G20 Study Center. Our hope is that in the future, the existence of the G20 Study Center can encourage collaborations with other academic institutions and therefore become a “knowledge hub” for national and regional issues related to the G20. It should generate productive ideas for the welfare of Indonesia and the world.”

The signing ceremony was held in compliance with strict health protocols and only a limited number of invited guests and fourteen UPH interns participated.