Malang, February 12, 2026 — A research team from the Center for East Asia Studies, Department of International Relations, Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), conducted a field study in South Korea from 2–9 February 2026. The visit aimed to carry out interviews and direct observations as part of their research on the potential development of maritime paradiplomacy between Indonesia and South Korea. The project is funded by the Korea Foundation (KF).
The four-member team is led by Tonny Dian Effendi, with Shannaz Mutiara Deniar, Havids Ageng Prakoso, and Hamdan Nafiatur Rosyida as team members. This research is conducted in collaboration with academic partners from South Korea and Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
During their visit, the team met with representatives of the Korea Foundation in both Busan and Seoul. They also held discussions with scholars from the Institute of Global Area Studies at Pukyong National University and engaged in intensive meetings with the Busan Port Authority. These engagements not only strengthened the substantive dimensions of the research on maritime paradiplomacy but also expanded academic networks that may lead to future institutional cooperation, particularly for the Department of International Relations and Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang more broadly.
A key highlight of the visit was the meeting at the Busan Port Authority, where the team received a comprehensive briefing on the transformation of Busan Port into a modern international port. The presentation included the implementation of robotic technology in container handling operations, as well as plans for the development of an integrated new port and airport system aimed at improving the speed and efficiency of international logistics distribution.
The team also visited the KF ASEAN House in Busan and held discussions with its Director. The meeting provided strategic insights into potential collaboration in promoting Indonesia, as an ASEAN member state, to the Korean public, particularly in Busan. Such initiatives are considered important in strengthening people-to-people diplomacy and subnational cooperation between the two countries.
The research project is expected to result in the publication of a book on maritime paradiplomacy between Indonesia and South Korea, scheduled for release later this year. The publication aims to contribute both academically and in terms of policy recommendations for enhancing bilateral maritime cooperation at national and subnational levels.