Bandar Lampung becomes a hub for international cooperation networks
Bandar Lampung has become a meeting space for international cooperation networks between Indonesia and Croatia, bringing together academics, researchers, and delegates from various countries and universities from both nations.
“Efforts to build international cooperation networks take place not only through official forums but also through meetings that open spaces for communication between parties,” said the Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, and Information Systems (PKSI) of the University of Lampung (Unila), Prof. Dr. Ayi Ahadiat, S.E., M.B.A., in Bandar Lampung on Friday.
The activity, organised by the Bandar Lampung City Government alongside the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) of the University of Lampung at the Semergou Building, Mayor’s Office of Bandar Lampung, is part of a series of events including the Joint Summer School 2026, IICIS, and the National Working Meeting of the Development Studies Association (DSA) held by FISIP Unila from 22 to 26 September 2026.
“In addition to bringing together academics, researchers, and delegates from several countries and universities, this meeting also serves as an opportunity to build communication and cross-border cooperation networks,” he said.
Prof. Dr. Ayi Ahadiat also expressed that the reception was an honour for Unila in welcoming the participants of the Summer School, IICIS, and DSA.
“It is an honour for me to welcome all participants of the Summer School, IICIS, and DSA,” he stated.
He explained that the five-day series of activities serves as a medium to bring together academics and researchers from both domestic and international spheres.
“This meeting explores various aspects of interconnectedness and synergy in the fields of social sciences, political science, and economics, including through multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches,” he added.
According to him, the relationship established through this meeting is expected to continue in the form of sustainable cooperation.
“Moving forward, we hope this cooperation can remain continuous and well-established,” he said.
The Regional Secretary of Bandar Lampung, Iwan Gunawan, noted that the city possesses significant potential not only in the industrial sector but also within Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
“The potential of Bandar Lampung lies not only in the processing industry, trade, and services, but also in various small and medium enterprises, including food, beverages, batik, tapis, and various crafts,” he said.
The Ambassador of Croatia to Indonesia, His Excellency Nebosja Koharovic, expressed appreciation for the reception and identified opportunities for cooperation that could be developed across various aspects of social and economic life.
“Croatia is very much looking forward to future cooperation proposals in the form of a sister city relationship between Bandar Lampung and a city in Croatia,” said Nebosja.
Guests present at the dinner included the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Croatia to the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Nebosja Koharovic, and the Dean of FISIP Unila, Prof. Dr. Anna Gustina Zainal.
Also in attendance were delegation leaders from Croatia, Singapore, and the Philippines, the Chairman of DSA Indonesia Dr. Wilson M.A. Therik, S.E., M.Si., the Vice Dean I of the Postgraduate School of Unhas Prof. Dr. Nardiati, the Dean of FSKM Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Professor Kadaruddin, Professor Lap Yan Kung from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, as well as delegation leaders from UGM, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Universitas Warmadewa Denpasar, Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang, and various other universities across Indonesia.