Depok, November 12, 2025 — The Faculty of Social Sciences of Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) and the Center for Policy Strategy on Special Issues and Data Analysis of the Foreign Policy Strategy Agency (BSKLN), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, officially signed a Memorandum of Commitment on Tuesday, November 12, 2025, at the UIII campus in Depok.

Dr. Philips J. Vermonte, Dean of UIII’s Faculty of Social Sciences, and Gita Loka Murti, Head of the Center for Policy Strategy on Special Issues and Data Analysis, signed the agreement in a ceremony witnessed by Muhammad Takdir, Head of BSKLN, and UIII Rector, Prof. Jamhari Makruf.

The agreement marks a strategic step toward deepening collaboration in education, research, community engagement, and other areas of partnership. It aims to promote knowledge exchange, evidence-based policymaking, and inclusive cooperation between academia and government institutions.

Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gita Loka Murti expressed optimism that the collaboration will strengthen Indonesia’s global academic and diplomatic networks:

“We hope this collaboration will help build a more inclusive, open, and globally oriented knowledge ecosystem while strengthening Indonesia’s diplomatic role. We also believe that partnerships between government bodies, research institutions, and universities will become a driving force in leveraging the expertise of Indonesianists and supporting evidence-based foreign policy,” said Gita Loka Murti.

Meanwhile, Dr. Philips J. Vermonte emphasized that the partnership aligns with UIII’s vision as an institution that embodies Indonesia’s soft diplomacy:

“UIII’s Faculty of Social Sciences was established to play a part in Indonesia’s soft diplomacy. Therefore, today’s signing becomes a foundation for broader cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—through BSKLN—and UIII. Hopefully, this marks only the beginning of our collaboration ahead. In an increasingly uncertain world, partnerships and collaboration are the ways we can address global challenges together,” stated Philips Vermonte.

The memorandum outlines joint commitments in lectures, seminars, internships, and research initiatives focusing on foreign policy, international relations, and data-driven diplomacy. It also opens pathways for collaborative publications and community engagement activities that align with Indonesia’s foreign policy priorities.

Through this partnership, UIII and BSKLN reaffirm their shared mission to contribute to Indonesia’s international engagement and global thought leadership through education, research, and diplomacy.