Ambassadors of the Republic of Indonesia to the Federal Republic of Austria Talks on Public Lecture to International Relations Students

Ambassadors of Indonesia to Austria, H.E. Rachmat Budiman, S.H., was delivering a public lecture at UPH

The International Relations Department, Faculty of Social and Political Science UPH invited the Ambassadors of the Republic of Indonesia to the Federal Republic of Austria, H. E. Rachmat Budiman, S.H., to deliver a public lecture entitled ?Transnational Crimes? to the students of International Relations Department UPH on 5 June 2015 at 10.30 at UPH Karawaci.

According to the Head Department of UPH International Relations, Susy Tekunan, MBA., MA., the purpose of this public lecture is to provide practitioner’s perspective for the students of foreign policy of Indonesia abroad. ?This topic hopefully could make students better understand the Indonesian positions regarding several fronts of international issues,? explained Susy. This event was attended by 82 International Relations students, especially who are now enrolling the class of Comparative Foreign Policy dan Indonesian Foreign Policy so this topic is is highly relevant to their discussion in classrooms.

In his lecture, Ambassador Rachmat Budiman stated several issues that are grouped as the Transnational Organized Crime (TOC), such as the issue of nuclear, both weapons and powers, used for non-military purpose, development and management of green industry, the hot issue of drugs and death penalty, illegal fishing, human trafficking and people smuggling. One of the hottest issues is the Rohingya smuggling from Rakhine, Myanmar, with the destination to Malaysia to have decent life. However, Thailand authorities cracked down on smugglers so boats landed in Aceh or Malaysia. United Nations (UN) even called the Rohingyas one of the most persecuted minorities in the world. (bbc.co.uk)

The public lecture held at MYC UPH

One of UPH International Relations Department asked a question the Ambassador

Responding to the issues of Rohingya, the Ambassador emphasized the circumspection of the government. ?It needs circumspection for the Indonesia government because it is unfeasible to overcome this issue by our own. The cooperation with the international community is needed. Besides that, by accepting the Rohingya in Aceh, Indonesia indicates that we have done something beyond our responsibilities. Although Indonesia is, in fact, all prepared, but we still need supports from other countries,? the Ambassador emphasized. He also added, Indonesia as a nation that does not ratify the 1951 UN Refugee Convention means that Indonesia is out of responsibility to rescue the refugees who are in the region of Republic of Indonesia.

Meanwhile, according to Susy Tekunan, the majority of International Relations students are interested in global governance and potentially a diplomatic career. ?This public lecture provides the students with direct perspectives on the current issues closely relevant to Indonesian’s political and national interests that are highly relevant to their study,? closed Susy. (el)