SPbPU hosted the first symposium of the Association of Indonesian Students in Russia

Polytechnic University hosted the first symposium of the Association of Indonesian Students PERMIRA. A bright and significant event in humanitarian and scientific cooperation between Russia and Indonesia. The participants of the event discussed topical topics that relate to the interaction between the two countries in the field of culture, science and technology.

The theme of the symposium was «Youth Intercultural Entrepreneurship: Integrating Public Diplomacy to Strengthen Cooperation in a Multipolar World». Mr. Berlian Helmy, Deputy Head of the Diplomatic Mission of the Republic of Indonesia in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, conveyed the greetings of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Jose Tavares to all participants and highly appreciated the work of the symposium, which the association held for the first time. Berlian Helmy invited Indonesian students to work together with PERMIRA to create a positive image of Indonesia in Russia. Welcoming remarks were made by Valery Radchenko, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia in St. Petersburg and President of the Association of Industrial Enterprises of St. Petersburg, and Igor Bondarchuk, Head of the Department for Relations with International Organizations of the Committee for External Relations.

The topics we are discussing are extremely relevant for both countries, especially given the challenges we face. It is important that we continue to develop our relations between Russia and Indonesia, added Berlian Helmy, Deputy Head of Indonesia’s Diplomatic Mission to Russia and Belarus.

This symposium demonstrates the potential of Polytechnic University’s cooperation with universities and partners from Indonesia. Youth intercultural entrepreneurship is an interesting area for joint work. An important step in strengthening cooperation will be inviting leading professors from Indonesian universities to give courses (online and face-to-face).

The symposium was a platform for dialog on joint projects and implementation of ideas that will deepen the country’s cooperation in the field of science and technology.

During the symposium, several fruitful sessions took place, each of which focused on relevant topics for young entrepreneurs.

Speakers shared best practices of cooperation between universities and companies, which serves as an incubator for successful young entrepreneurship. A session dedicated to navigating the complexities of export-import gave participants the opportunity to learn about the regulatory framework, typical import-export products and current challenges of trade diplomacy between Russia and Indonesia. They discussed strategies to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of local goods in the international arena. The program of gas pedals and startup incubators was the topic of one of the discussions, where young entrepreneurs could consider the challenges and opportunities they face in the process of creating and developing their projects.

Special attention was paid to the interactive session, where alumni of all generations met. Indonesians who studied at Russian universities shared their stories. They spoke about the difficulties, the advantages of knowledge gained in Russia, and the impact of PERMIRA on strengthening Russian-Indonesian relations.

The organizers also arranged an exhibition of Russian and Indonesian handicrafts and art, where the participants got acquainted with the works of Indonesian craftsmen — from exquisite textiles to artworks reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the country.

Next year Russia and Indonesia will celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. This event will be another occasion for further development of stable and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.