The Korean Studies Program at the Faculty of Humanities Universitas Indonesia (FIB UI), has demonstrated a strategic partnership with the Korea Foundation (KF). This synergy aims to optimize the development of Korean Studies as a discipline in Indonesia, focusing on transforming the program into a center of excellence that not only explores language and culture, but also critically and interdisciplinarily analyzes the dynamics of Korea–Indonesia bilateral relations.
Optimism for the development of Korean Studies has grown following the successful organization of the cultural dialogue titled “Bridges of Friendship: Korea – Indonesia Cross Culture Dialogue” held on 27 November 2025 at Auditorium Building I, FIB UI. The event drew significant attention, extending beyond students of the Korean Studies Program, with remarkable enthusiasm from students across other study programs in FIB UI.
The high level of participation and interaction from non-Korean Studies students underscored that interest in Korea has been progressively cultivated through various programs held by KF at FIB UI, further amplified by the dominance of Hallyu (Korean Wave) in Indonesia’s pop culture landscape. This background serves as substantial momentum, validating that Korean cultural products have become a unique space for intercultural encounters between Korean and Indonesian communities. This enthusiasm strongly indicates that the development of Korean Studies must now move beyond basic language proficiency toward deeper, methodological, and multidimensional analysis of this phenomenon.
The “Bridges of Friendship” dialogue was specifically initiated with high academic aspirations: to develop methodologies for cultural analysis from diverse perspectives. Its goal is to elevate the level of Korean Studies from descriptive observations to more advanced and practical discussions on the role of People-to-People (P-to-P) diplomacy in South Korea–Indonesia relations.
The dialogue sought to address the challenge of more reflectively interpreting how cultural products such as films, social media, and even the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) can serve as effective instruments to bridge cultural, social, and academic relationships between the two nations. It explicitly aimed to identify key elements of Korean culture that effectively strengthen cross-national ties.
The event was vibrant and well-received by participants, evidenced by a dynamic Question-and-Answer (Q&A) session filled with critical and in-depth inquiries addressed to the speakers. The presence of speakers representing various institutions and fields of expertise enriched the discussion, including representatives from Korean educational institutions in Indonesia such as Jakarta Intercultural School (JIKS), Korean Studies academics from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Dr. Suray Agung Nugroho, M.A., Ph.D., and academics from the East Asian Studies Program, FIB UI, including Dr. Adi Kristina and Amelia Burhan, M.A., Ph.D.
The speakers presented interdisciplinary perspectives on cultural diplomacy and the representation of universal values in films, digital interactions on social media, and the role of communities as intercultural bridges. The active involvement of academics and students demonstrated the readiness of the Korean Studies community to transform into a relevant academic center within the context of international relations.
The partnership between the Korea Foundation and the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at FIB UI plays a crucial role in providing financial support, academic resources, and global networking. Through this collaboration, FIB UI is optimistic about enhancing research capacity and supporting comparative studies between Indonesia and Korea.
The success of the “Bridges of Friendship” dialogue marks a new chapter for the advancement of Korean Studies at Universitas Indonesia. With KF’s support, the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at FIB UI is ready to stand at the forefront in producing critical and practical scholarship that directly contributes to strengthening friendship and strategic partnership between the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Indonesia. (Trans-CA)
