The National Resilience Study Program at the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM) hosted a work visit from the Working Group Team of Puslitbang Sumdahan Balitbang Kemhan. This visit aimed to collect data and hold discussions, as well as to conduct a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on national resilience issues. The activities took place on May 14, 2024, at the National Resilience Study Program, PAU-Pascasarjana UGM Building, and on May 16, 2024, at The Rich Jogja Hotels, Tulip Room (ground).
The event was opened by Brigadier General TNI Afson Riswandi Sirait, S.E., M.Pd., the head of the delegation and the Head of Puslitbang Sumdahan Balitbang Kemhan. In his remarks, Brigadier General Afson Riswandi emphasized the importance of synergy between research institutions and higher education institutions in strengthening national resilience. “Such collaboration is crucial to gain academic perspectives that can enrich our efforts in building stronger national resilience,” he stated.
The second speaker, Colonel Tech Hevry Yanto, S.H., Head of HR Division at Puslitbang Sumdahan Balitbang Kemhan, also shared his views on the importance of developing competent human resources in the field of national resilience. “Outstanding human resources are the key to maintaining and strengthening the nation’s resilience. Therefore, collaboration with the National Resilience Study Program at UGM is very strategic,” said Colonel Hevry.
The work visit participants included members of the
Working Group Team of Puslitbang Sumdahan Balitbang Kemhan and representatives from several related institutions. They actively participated in data collection sessions and discussions with academics and students from the National Resilience Study Program.
Following the data collection session, the event continued with a Focus Group Discussion (FGD). During the FGD, various topics related to national resilience were discussed in depth, including challenges and opportunities in the context of current global dynamics. This discussion produced several strategic recommendations expected to be applied in future national resilience policies.
Prof. Armaidy Armawi, the Head of the Master’s and Doctoral Program in National Resilience, emphasized the importance of national defense in his address. “National defense is something that is built-in, built into the nation,” he explained. He also conveyed that everything related to the implementation of the constitution, particularly in the field of defense, must always consider the people.
This work visit represents a concrete step in strengthening the relationship between Balitbang Kemhan and higher education institutions like UGM. It is hoped that the results of this visit and discussion can make a tangible contribution to strengthening Indonesia’s national resilience.
Author: Arfikah Istari