Jakarta, February 4th 2025 – The Peace and Conflict Resolution Master Program, Graduate School of Gadjah Mada University, conducted a study visit to the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR). This ASEAN research institute works in the fields of conflict management and resolution, as well as building post-conflict peace and reconciliation. ASEAN-IPR was officially established in 2022, focusing on research, capacity development, knowledge centers, networks, and information dissemination. The visit was warmly welcomed by the Executive Director, I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, along with his staff, and was held at the Pusdiklat Building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, South Jakarta, Special Capital Region of Jakarta.
During the study visit, MPRK discussed ASEAN-IPR’s work in providing dialogue for regional and global countries, including offering a series of training programs and assisting ASEAN in seeking appropriate solutions for peace. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja emphasized ASEAN-IPR does not have the power to intervene in a country or act as a mediator if a conflict arises among ASEAN member states. However, it can help open up opportunities for cooperation that promote peace efforts. I Gusti Agung was also one of the key figures who assisted in negotiating the conflict between Indonesia and Timor-Leste, which took place in Bali at that time. Furthermore, I Gusti Agung shared from his experience as a negotiator that the most challenging aspect of negotiations is getting both conflicting parties to sit down together and engage in dialogue.
At the end of the discussion, ASEAN-IPR opened the opportunity for collaboration with MPRK, particularly for students interested in peace studies and conflict resolution. It is hoped that this activity will encourage MPRK students to think critically about creating sustainable peace and provide concrete steps to bridge the gap between academics and practitioners in the field of peace.
The study visit to ASEAN-IPR conducted by MPRK aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Written by: Tia Mega Utami/Arni Wistriatun