DPD Chairman Receives Honorary Doctorate from South Korea's KMOU, Following in Megawati's Footsteps
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Chairman of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) of the Republic of Indonesia, Sultan Najamudin, received an honorary doctorate (Dr. HC) in International Relations from Korea Maritime and Ocean University (KMOU) in Busan, South Korea, on Wednesday (1/4/2026).
Sultan stated that the degree he received should be seen as a momentum to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and South Korea in a more concrete direction, particularly for regional development.
“We hope this momentum can elevate Indonesia-Korea relations to a more implementative and sustainable level, especially in the development of the maritime sector, island regions, and coastal communities in Indonesia,” Sultan said, quoted from a press statement on Wednesday.
In his scientific oration, Sultan emphasised that the sea plays a strategic role as a connector of civilisations and the foundation of the future.
“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,” he said.
Sultan also stressed the importance of building international cooperation that is not only oriented towards economic growth.
During the degree conferment process at KMOU, Sultan was accompanied by his wife, several DPD leaders and members, as well as representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Seoul.
Meanwhile, Professor Kim Soo-il, as the promoter, said that Sultan is the second figure from Indonesia to receive the honorary doctorate.
The first Indonesian national figure to receive the honorary doctorate was the fifth President of the Republic of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarnoputri.
“He is the second Indonesian national figure after Mrs Megawati Soekarnoputri to achieve the Honorary Doctorate from KMOU since its establishment 80 years ago,” Kim revealed.
According to him, the conferment of the honorary doctorate to Sultan Najamudin is a forward step in strengthening the position and role of the university on the international stage.
Meanwhile, KMOU President Ryoo Dong-keun welcomed the DPD RI Chairman as part of the Korea Maritime and Ocean University family.
Sultan is regarded as a figure who has dedicated himself to the development of democratic institutions and balanced regional growth.
“We are truly pleased and honoured to award him the honorary doctorate as recognition of his outstanding contributions,” said Ryoo Dong-keun.