Busan University of Foreign Studies (President Chang Soon-heung, center) held Korea-Indonesia Seminar, with the participation of newly appointed Indonesian Ambassador Cecep Herawan (third from left), at Geumsaem Theatre in Central Library of the University on September 30, 2025.
Busan University of Foreign Studies (BUFS, President: Chang Soon-heung) held Korea-Indonesia Seminar, to celebrate 52nd Anniversary of diplomatic relations between two countries.
The seminar was arranged under the theme of “Charting the Future: Indonesia–Korea Cooperation in Human Resource Development for Indonesia Emas 2025,” with the participation of newly appointed Indonesian Ambassador Cecep Herawan, at Geumsaem Theatre in Central Library of the University on September 30, 2025.
The seminar was held on the occasion of Ambassador Cecep Herawan’s visit to the Indonesia Centre, BUFS, with the participants from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in Indonesia, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and the Indonesia Society.
Kim Ye-gyeom, director of the IC, and Suray Agung Nugroho, head of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program in UGM, emphasized the importance of university education programs in human resource development cooperation between the two countries.
They outlined plans to contribute to bilateral exchanges by expanding specialized programs in business, investment, and tourism through the centre, and by enhancing cooperation with Indonesian local governments.
BUFS President Chang Soon-heung stated, “This year, Korea and Indonesia celebrate the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations. I hope to expand support for the centre to promote exchanges between two countries in the future.”
Ambassador Chechep Herawan responded, “Korea is a role model country in human resource devel-opment, and we look forward to further cooperation, particularly in areas of vocational and technical education, industry-linked training, and apprenticeship models. We will expand our support for the centre.”
Following is the summary of Ambassador Chechep Herawan’s keynote address at the seminar.
I am honored to be here at this important event – Charting the Future: Indonesia–Korea Cooperation in Human Resource Development for Indonesia Emas 2025.
Allow me to extend my sincere gratitude to Busan University of Foreign Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada and the Friends of Indonesia Society for making this event possible.
The theme of today’s seminar is both timely and relevant.
Under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, the Indonesian government has launched the Asta Cita program.
At its core lies a key pillar: the advancement of human resource development.
As Indonesia looks ahead to its centennial in 2045 – the Indonesia Emas 2045– we carry an ambitious yet achievable goal: to build a nation with resilient, educated, and empowered human capital.
This vision calls for comprehensive development across education, science, technology, health, sports, gender equality, and the empowerment of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
That is why today’s event holds particular significance – as a platform to explore how Indonesia and Korea can work together to advance human resource development.
Indonesia views South Korea not only as a partner, but also as a model in this field.
Since the 1950s, Korea has demonstrated resilience and remarkable transformation through strategic policies of industrialization and modernization.
These policies were anchored by strong investments in infrastructure, education, and training – laying the foundation for a skilled workforce to power a growing industrial economy.
The results are clear: Korea has become a high-income, innovation-driven economy.
Global benchmarks such as the UNDP Human Development Index and the World Bank’s Human Capital Index show how Korea’s progress in education and health demonstrates the lasting benefits of investing in people.
For Indonesia, structured cooperation with Korea in human resource development presents enormous opportunities.
Vocational and technical education, industry-linked training, and apprenticeship models are areas of great promise.
Together, we can build Indonesia’s capacity to nurture a skilled workforce that drives industrial transformation, supports the digital economy, and advances sustainable infrastructure.
Beyond technical training, our cooperation can also foster student and faculty exchanges, joint curriculum development, and lifelong learning initiatives – enriching both our nations.
Our cooperation should also work on the optimum use of new and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence across multiple discipline and industries to better equip our nations in addressing future challenges
This seminar is not only a moment to reflect on our achievements over the past 50 years of partnership, but also to chart the future of Indonesia–Korea cooperation in human resource development.
I look forward to working closely with BUFS, UGM, the Friends of Indonesia Society, and all stakeholders present here today to strengthen academic, cultural, and youth engagement between our countries.
Let us reaffirm our shared commitment to education, knowledge exchange, and human development as pillars of a sustainable and prosperous future.
By investing in people, we empower individuals, and at the same time, secure the foundations of national growth and regional cooperation.
I wish this seminar great success.
Terima kasih, Thank you, Kamsahamnida.★
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