Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The International Relations Student Association (HIMAHI) of Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ) held an institutional visit to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Indonesia, engaging directly with leading policy researchers on the theme “The Role of Middle Powers in Multilateralism and Contemporary Global Governance.” The visit forms part of the strategic work programme of the Ruang Cita Cabinet for the 2026/2027 academic period.
Organised by HIMAHI’s External Division, the visit aimed to deepen students’ understanding of the dynamics of international relations, particularly the role of research and policy institutions in addressing contemporary global challenges.
The discussion session featured three CSIS Indonesia researchers: Lina Alexandra, Head of the Department of International Relations, along with Senior Researchers Muhammad Habib and Andrew Mantong. The speakers discussed Indonesia’s position as a middle power and how middle-power states play a pivotal role in maintaining regional stability through multilateral cooperation and international diplomacy.
The speakers elaborated on Indonesia’s engagement within the ASEAN framework, with emphasis on normative approaches and soft diplomacy in building ties with fellow Southeast Asian nations. The session also examined international relations dynamics amid great-power competition between the United States and China, and the importance of countries such as Indonesia and South Korea in forging strategic partnerships and preserving room for manoeuvre in an evolving global political landscape.
The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which students raised questions on the middle power concept, ASEAN’s role, and the challenges facing developing nations in contemporary global governance. CSIS Indonesia also shared information on its internship programme, open to final-year students and recent graduates with interests in politics, economics, social change, and international relations.
HIMAHI expressed gratitude to CSIS Indonesia for its warm reception and support, and said it hopes the visit will inspire students to deepen their engagement with international relations and policy research. (www.upnvj.ac.id)
