Chairman of the Indonesian Regional Representative Council Awarded Honorary Doctorate by Korea Maritime and Ocean University
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BUSAN – The Chairman of the Regional Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI), Sultan Baktiar Najamudin, was awarded an honorary Doctor (Dr. HC) in International Regional Studies by Korea Maritime and Ocean University (KMOU) in Busan, South Korea, on Wednesday (1/4/2026).
The conferral ceremony was conducted solemnly, led by KMOU President Prof Dr Ryoo Dong-Keun, at Kim Kang-hee Hall in the KMOU Library, Yeongdo-gu District, Busan. It was attended by the entire academic community of this leading South Korean maritime specialist campus. The promoter, Prof Dr Kim Soo-il from Busan University of Foreign Studies, was also present.
This honorary doctorate from KMOU marks the second time for an Indonesian national figure. Previously, Indonesia’s fifth President, Megawati Soekarno Putri, received the same title, Honorary Doctorate in International Regional Studies, on 19 October 2015.
KMOU Rector or President, Prof Dr Ryoo Dong-Keun, mentioned two major agendas related to the invitation to the DPD RI Chairman.
First, the conferral of the Dr. HC at the KMOU campus. Second, the launch of the Korea-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation Forum, together with the Korea Offshore Plant Service Industry Association, at Hanjin Hall (ETRS Center), Busan.
“Cooperation with Indonesia is a main pillar of KMOU’s internationalisation strategy in leading the global maritime era. Together with industry, academics, and research, we will build a real collaboration model for the sustainable prosperity of both countries,” said Rector Ryoo Dong-Keun.
Prof Kim Soo-il explained why the honorary degree was given to Sultan.
“We have followed the career and commitment of the DPD RI Chairman for a long time. Especially in promoting maritime-based international cooperation, advocating for the development of island regions and coastal communities,” explained Prof Kim, who is also a former vice-chairman of the Korean rectors’ forum association.
Wearing a dark blue toga and a blue and golden yellow sash characteristic of KMOU, this senator from Bengkulu delivered his academic oration. In philosophical language, Sultan stated that the sea has a strategic role as a connector of civilisations and the foundation for future global cooperation.
“The sea is a unifier of civilisations. The sea is not merely a geographical space, but a bridge that connects nations through collaboration, innovation, and sustainability,” said Sultan, the initiator and author of the book Green Democracy.
He emphasised the importance of international cooperation that is not only oriented towards economic growth but also environmental sustainability and social justice. This aligns with the direction of global development and Indonesia’s vision towards a green economy and blue economy.
Sultan specifically expressed respect and gratitude to Korea Maritime and Ocean University for this Dr. HC award. “Thank you to KMOU, an academic institution that has contributed greatly to promoting research and development of marine economic resource potential for the Republic of Korea and the world,” he said.
He added that for Indonesia, this is strategic because it is a maritime country. “An archipelagic nation, which sooner or later will need maritime science and technology,” he continued.
Sultan is indeed actively advocating for strengthening the role of regions in national development.
In legislative agendas, this former deputy governor of Bengkulu is actively pushing for the passage of the Archipelagic Regions Bill as a policy basis that favours archipelagic areas, coastal communities, and the optimisation of Indonesia’s marine potential as one of the main pillars of the national economy.
This honorary doctorate, he said, carries a not insignificant moral responsibility. First, it is a good momentum to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and the Republic of Korea.
Second, to sharpen economic cooperation to be more concrete, implementable, and impactful on regional progress. Third, which must not be forgotten: sustainability or sustainable development.