UI Strengthens Global Ties Through Asian Public Affairs Network

RRI.CO.ID, Depok - The establishment of the Asian School of Public Affairs Association (ASPAA) marks a new chapter in regional academic collaboration, with Universitas Indonesia (UI) playing a central role as one of its founding members.

The initiative was formally announced during the ASPAA inauguration ceremony and 1st ASPAA Leadership Roundtable at Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.

ASPAA was created through the collaboration of five leading universities: UI (QS WUR #189), Zhejiang University (#49), Nanyang Technological University (#12), City University of Hong Kong (#63), and University of Macau (#285).

UI’s participation as a founding member underscores international recognition of its academic capacity and contributions to public affairs, public policy, and governance studies.

The FIA UI delegation was led by Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs,Teguh Kurniawan .

The roundtable brought together senior representatives from the founding institutions, including Zhirong Zhao (Zhejiang University), Wang Jue (Nanyang Technological University), Alfred Ho (City University of Hong Kong), and Yonghong Wu (University of Macau).

Their presence highlighted ASPAA’s role as a strategic platform for regional collaboration.

“ASPAA opens opportunities for closer cooperation among Asian universities to develop innovative curricula and research relevant to today’s governance challenges," Teguh said, as quoted on UI's official website.

"UI’s role as a founding member reflects our commitment to meaningful contributions while strengthening Indonesia’s position in international academia,” the professor added.

ASPAA aims to enhance collaboration among Schools of Public Affairs in Asia, foster an Asian perspective in public policy studies, and expand international cooperation in education and research.

The association is expected to facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices, while amplifying global impact in governance and policy development.

The inaugural leadership forum discussed cross-border cooperation, academic capacity-building, and pressing public administration challenges in Asia and beyond.

The dialogue provided a strategic space for universities to respond collectively to increasingly complex global governance dynamics.

UI’s active role in ASPAA aligns with its vision of being “Excellent & Impactful for Indonesia.”

By strengthening global networks and collaborating with top universities, UI continues to drive academic innovation and contribute to inclusive, sustainable governance. ***