On Monday (October 20, 2025), the Department of International Law (HI) at the Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University (FH UGM), hosted a public lecture titled “From Bulaksumur to The Hague: The Role of Diplomats in Safeguarding Indonesia’s Interests on the International Stage.” The event featured L. Amrih Jinangkung as the keynote speaker, who currently serves as Indonesia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Held in Auditorium B of the Faculty of Law at Gadjah Mada University (FH UGM), the event was enthusiastically attended by dozens of undergraduate and graduate students. The event opened with remarks from the Chair of the Department of International Law at FH UGM, Prof. Dr. Agustinus Supriyanto, S.H., M.Si.
Amrih Jinangkung is a highly inspirational figure for students, particularly because he is a 1990 graduate of the UGM Faculty of Law. He is a career diplomat with an outstanding track record, including his previous posting as the Indonesian Ambassador to the Holy See (Vatican) and an LL.M. from Cornell University Law School.
In his presentation, Amrih Jinangkung began by explaining the four main functions of a diplomat: representing, negotiating, promoting, and protecting. He specifically highlighted why law school graduates have an advantage in becoming diplomats, particularly due to their analytical skills, negotiation abilities, and deep understanding of international law. The main focus of this public lecture was on how Indonesia uses international law as a vital instrument to advance national interests and uphold sovereignty (NKRI Harga Mati).
Amrih presented the most fundamental historical case study for Indonesia: the 1957 Djuanda Declaration. He explained how the Djuanda Declaration was initially Indonesia’s unilateral claim to unify its land and maritime territories into a single entity (an archipelagic state). This claim was not immediately accepted. Through diplomatic efforts and lengthy negotiations, Indonesia fought for its cause on the global stage. Ultimately, the concept of the Archipelagic State was successfully recognized and enshrined in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Mr. Amrih emphasized that this is a concrete example of how Indonesia succeeded in “shaping international law (norm setting)” in the interest of its national sovereignty, rather than merely complying with it.
The discussion session was highly interactive, led by moderator Dr. Harry Purwanto, S.H., M.Hum., who is also a lecturer in Diplomatic and Consular Law at the Faculty of Law, UGM. The participants’ enthusiasm was evident, with more than 10 students actively asking questions. The questions posed were very substantive, covering two main areas: material substance and practical aspects. Regarding substance, the students delved deeper into the “behind-the-scenes story” of strategic negotiation processes such as UNCLOS 1982 and the diplomatic compromises made by Indonesia. On the practical side, students took advantage of this rare opportunity to ask for tips and tricks on successfully pursuing a career as a career diplomat.
This public lecture aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through discussions on the role of diplomacy and international law, this event reaffirms UGM’s commitment to supporting world peace and strengthening fair and integrity-driven legal institutions at the global level. Furthermore, the collaboration between academics, students, and government officials—such as those from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs—also reflects the spirit of partnership in realizing a more inclusive and equitable global governance system. This lecture also reinforces SDG 4 (Quality Education) by broadening students’ understanding of diplomacy practices grounded in international law and ethics, which serve as a crucial foundation for the next generation of national leaders.
Author: Bikry Fathonah (Department of International Law)
