History
Despite Indonesia’s strong contribution to the history of Asia-Africa relations notably through the Asia Africa Conference held in Bandung in April 1955 that notably facilitated the independence of many African nations, knowledge of Africa in Indonesia remains insufficient for a large country like Indonesia, the fourth most populated country on Earth, natural leader of ASEAN, and largest archipelagic country on the planet. Africa can also surely learn more about Indonesia and its diversity and strategic position in the world; thus at the same time learning more about Asia in general since Indonesia is de facto an important gateway to ASEAN and Asia in general. In the academic context, the topic of “China-Africa”, for example, has gained a strong
following around the world and many institutes have been created to address this strategic topic. China undoubtedly occupies a unique position in Asia and its increasing links to Africa are indeed a tremendously important topic. Yet African relations with other major countries in Asia like for instance Japan, Korea, India and of course Indonesia / ASEAN countries, as well as the perspective of these major powers, also need to be seriously studied and added to the knowledge already acquired on China-Africa relations that should also continue to develop. Indonesia can hold a significant and legitimate role notably through its leading university, Universitas Indonesia, to increase Asia-Africa academic knowledge and partnerships. Academia should be at the forefront of enhanced and dynamic Asia-Africa relationships.
In March 2020 at Universitas Indonesia, the Indonesia Africa Strategic Studies Centre – Universitas Indonesia was thus created to bring a new perspective on Indonesia / Asia and Africa relations and dynamics through an institution based in Jakarta, Indonesia; historical host of the Asia Africa Conference in April 1955 in Bandung. Strategic issues in Peace & Security, Economic issues, the Environment and Urban problems or the role of external players in Africa as well as African countries’ developments in Asia are examples of issues addressed. Knowledge and flexibility are matched to try and offer a meaningful contribution to the academic world.
The Indonesia Africa Strategic Studies Centre – Universitas Indonesia proudly benefits from strong academic and institutional support at all levelfollowing around the world and many institutes have been created to address this strategic topic. China undoubtedly occupies a unique position in Asia and its increasing links to Africa