Surabaya “ Humas | On October 31, 2022, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Airlangga University (FISIP UNAIR) through the Center for African Studies (PUSAF) received a visit from Dr. Takuo Iwata, a professor from Ritsumeikan University, Japan. He is an expert in African Studies and Comparative Politics. Therefore, the meeting served as one of the initial steps to initiate cooperation between Surabaya and Kyoto.
The meeting took place in room C204 (PBB) and was attended by several important faculty members, including (1) Irfan Wahyudi, S.Sos., M.Comm., Ph.D., as the Vice Dean III; (2) Agastya Wardhana, S.Hub.Int., M.Hub.Int, as the Head of Internationalization Office of FISIP UNAIR; (3) Dr. Pinky Saptandari, Dra., M.A, as the Chairperson of the Center for African Studies at FISIP UNAIR; and (4) Irfa Puspitasari, S.IP., M.A, as an expert lecturer in African Studies from the Department of International Relations.
On that occasion, FISIP UNAIR also presented two important aspects. Firstly, they discussed the global cooperation agenda that has been implemented with various universities, institutions, and individuals from abroad. Secondly, they discussed the development of activities initiated by PUSAF. However, during the meeting, Dr. Takuo also explained the programs offered by Ritsumeikan University. Therefore, through this session, both institutions had the opportunity to engage in a fruitful discussion.
Dr. Takuo explained that it was his first visit to the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Airlangga University, and he found the experience enjoyable. “It is my first time visiting the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences of Airlangga University. We exchanged ideas with Prof. Irfan and Prof. Pinky. I came here to explore Asian-African studies. It was very impressive, and we had a dialogue about cooperation,” he expressed regarding his impression of visiting FISIP UNAIR.
Not only did they have a meeting, but after the event concluded, Dr. Takuo was also invited to visit several facilities at FISIP UNAIR. One of them was the “Ethnography of Death Museum,” guided by Rizky Sugianto, S. Ant., M.Si, a lecturer from the Department of Anthropology. They also visited Campus B library.
Lastly, Dr. Takuo emphasized that the UNAIR-Ritsumeikan cooperation agenda is expected to have a broader scope, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. “So, I found many potentials, not only in African Studies but also in International Relations. We discussed the relationship between Ritsumeikan and Airlangga University this morning, and I have already established networks with China, India, and South Korea. Hence, I hope our cooperation is not limited to Indonesia and Japan but also extends beyond the Asia-Pacific,” he concluded.
This article reflects the values of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education and 17: Partnership for the Goals (NA, PDA).
