The University of Nyíregyháza welcomed Her Excellency Penny Dewi Herasati, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia, on 21 September for an engaging lecture offering an insight into Indonesia’s remarkable diversity, dynamic economic development and growing opportunities for international cooperation.
Held before a full house and delivered in English, the event brought together Hungarian and international university students as well as secondary school students. Through a comprehensive presentation, Ambassador Herasati offered the audience a multifaceted perspective on Indonesia — a country defined by extraordinary geographical, cultural and social diversity, as well as by its increasingly prominent role in the global economy.
More than 17,000 islands, a population of approximately 288 million, more than 1,300 ethnic groups and over 700 spoken languages are among the figures that illustrate the extraordinary diversity of the Indonesian archipelago. The Ambassador introduced the cultural characteristics of its different island groups and highlighted the country’s six officially recognised religions. At the heart of her presentation was Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, or “Unity in Diversity”, Indonesia’s national motto. The principle reflects the country’s commitment to harmony and coexistence among its diverse ethnic, cultural and religious communities.
Alongside Indonesia’s cultural richness, the lecture also highlighted the country’s significant economic potential. Indonesia possesses abundant natural resources, including substantial nickel reserves, while its large domestic market, expanding manufacturing sector and rapidly developing digital economy continue to create new opportunities for growth and investment. Referring to long-term economic projections, Ambassador Herasati noted that Indonesia could become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2050.
Particular attention was devoted to the potential for closer cooperation between Hungary and Indonesia. Ambassador Herasati emphasised that Hungary’s technological expertise and professional knowledge can complement Indonesia’s natural resources and economic strengths, creating opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships. Among the areas identified were electromobility and the battery industry, water management, agricultural and food technology, digital innovation, healthcare, education and joint research.
The role of universities and young people in strengthening international relations was also highlighted. As the Ambassador observed, lasting friendship between nations begins with mutual understanding between their people. In this context, educational exchange and academic cooperation can serve as important bridges between cultures and generations.
Ambassador Herasati also introduced the audience to educational and scholarship opportunities that support academic mobility and closer connections between Hungarian and Indonesian students and institutions.
The presentation further showcased Indonesia’s rich cultural and natural heritage, from the traditional art of batik and wayang puppetry to gamelan music, the magnificent Borobudur Temple and the country’s extraordinary biodiversity. A lively quiz and subsequent question-and-answer session added an interactive dimension to the programme, encouraging students to engage directly with the Ambassador.
The questions covered a wide range of topics, including the role of artificial intelligence, Indonesia’s business environment and education system, student life, and the similarities and differences between Hungarian and Indonesian culture. The discussion provided an opportunity for students to explore Indonesia not only as a distant and diverse country, but also as a potential partner in education, research, innovation and international exchange.
Prior to the lecture, Dr György Szabó, Rector of the University of Nyíregyháza, welcomed the Ambassador and the audience in English. In his remarks, he underlined the importance of strengthening the University’s international partnerships, emphasising that international engagement brings not only academic benefits, but also valuable economic and cultural opportunities.
The University of Nyíregyháza places particular importance on further developing its relationship with Indonesia as part of its broader internationalisation efforts. Strengthening these ties contributes both to the University’s international visibility and to its efforts to attract students from Indonesia and other parts of the world. Indonesia is considered a key target country within the University’s internationalisation strategy. Two years ago, a University delegation participated in an international higher education fair in Jakarta, and this year the institution has seen an increase in the number of applications from Indonesian students. While there is currently one Indonesian student studying at the University of Nyíregyháza, the institution looks forward to welcoming a growing Indonesian student community in the years ahead.
The Ambassador’s visit provided a meaningful opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and explore new avenues of cooperation between Hungary and Indonesia. It also highlighted the important role universities can play in building lasting bridges between nations, cultures and people, while creating new opportunities for education, research and international exchange.