National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) continues its commitment to fostering global talent through a series of Global Perspective lectures, workshops, and a short-term language course aimed at broadening the international perspectives of faculty and students. The inaugural lecture on October 16th focused on Indonesia, a key member of the ASEAN community. Mr. Ichwan Joesoef, Director of the Tourism and Transportation Office at the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office in Taipei, delivered a talk titled “Economic and People-to-People Relations Between Taiwan and Indonesia.”

Mr. Ichwan Joesoef delivered his lecture at NCKU

　　Mr. Ichwan Joesoef began with highlighting the historical ties between Indonesia and Taiwan, tracing their global connections back to the 17th century when the Dutch East India Company established trade routes. At that time, Taiwan served as a crucial transshipment hub in East Asia, facilitating frequent maritime trade between Indonesia and Taiwan, with many raw materials shipped through Taiwan to Europe. Today, economic cooperation between Indonesia and Taiwan centers on textiles, metal materials, machinery, electronics, rubber, and footwear. Mr. Ichwan Joesoef expressed the hopes for future collaboration in the semiconductor industry, emphasizing the need for high-quality talents who understand technology and are familiar with bilateral working cultures. He encourages Indonesian students at NCKU to diligently acquire professional knowledge, positioning themselves as key players in future Taiwan-Indonesia partnerships.

A group photo captured faculty, staff, and students attending the lecture

　　In terms of cultural collaboration, Mr. Ichwan Joesoef addressed the recent challenges faced by the National Museum of Indonesia, which suffered a devastating fire in the year 2023. Restoration efforts for the damaged buildings and collections are ongoing, and discussions take place with the National Palace Museum of Taiwan to enhance cooperation in museum practices and cultural preservation.

An Indonesian exchange student actively participated in the Q&A session

　　The seminar concludes with a lively Q&A session. An exchange student from Indonesia inquired about improving relationships with Taiwanese peers. Mr. Ichwan Joesoef shared from his own experiences, noting that warmth and friendliness are hallmarks of Indonesian culture. He emphasized that when he extends goodwill to Taiwanese individuals, he often receives positive responses in return. A Taiwanese student raised the possibility of Indonesia granting visa exemptions to Taiwanese travelers, to which Mr. Ichwan Joesoef responded that Indonesia is continually strengthening its cooperation with Taiwan. He also shared optimism that Indonesia might join Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia in offering visa-free access for Taiwanese citizens in the future.
 

Mr. Ichwan Joesoef engaged with NCKU's Indonesian students after the lecture

　　This semester, the NCKU Office of International Affairs hosts a series of Global Perspective Lecture events from October to December 2024, featuring six thematic lectures, one intercultural communication workshop, and five German language oral practice sessions. For more information about the events, please visit the webpage at https://oia.ncku.edu.tw/p/406-1032-273361,r3414.php?Lang=zh-tw. 

Prof. Shu-Ying Wang (right), Director of Division of Study Abroad, presented a commemorative gift to Mr. Ichwan Joesoef