On Monday, June 24, 2024, the Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FIA UI), held a Collaborative Meeting and Public Lecture with Professor Kimura Shunsuke from Meiji University. This event aimed to strengthen collaboration between FIA UI and Meiji University in the field of public administration. The event took place at the Rupatama Smart Class, 3rd Floor of the M Building, FIA UI.

The meeting highlighted key issues, including an offer to Professor Kimura Shunsuke and Meiji University to become an adjunct professor at FIA UI, as well as mapping out a joint agenda in public administration, with an in-depth comparison between FIA UI and Meiji University.

“Today, we are honored to host a public lecture by Professor Shunsuke Kimura from Meiji University, discussing ‘The Pandemic and Changes in Intergovernmental Relations: The Case of Japan’, with the hope of gaining valuable insights into the impact of COVID-19 on the Japanese government,” said Professor Dr. Eko Prasojo, Mag.rer.publ, in his opening remarks.

“This meeting marks an important first step in deepening institutional collaboration in public administration. We hope this partnership will lead to significant contributions to future research and public policy,” stated Dr. Fibria Indriati Dwi Liestiawati, M.Si, Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs at FIA UI.

Dr. Fibria also highlighted that the field of public administration is currently evolving, with increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) and growing student interest at FIA UI in areas such as administrative reform, public policy reform, and decentralization. She noted that these topics present valuable opportunities for collaborative research between FIA UI and Meiji University.

Additionally, the discussion covered the possibility of a three-year PhD program at Meiji University and a special lecture on ‘Democracy Challenges in Asia’ to be delivered by Professor Maiko Ichihara on July 2, 2024.

During the lecture, Professor Kimura addressed various public administration issues in Japan, including the “Go To Travel” policy supported by the Japanese government and local government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also discussed Japan’s legal framework regulating non-essential activities and efforts to strengthen local public health administration.

“The Japanese government promoted travel through the ‘Go To Travel’ policy, while the COVID-19 pandemic increased the need to strengthen public health administration. Legal changes have granted more authority to prefectural governors to respond effectively, including coordinating non-essential activities and integrating departments such as sanitation and social welfare,” explained Professor Kimura.

He also highlighted key challenges, including the complexities of financial management between national and local governments and the effectiveness of criminal sanctions as a policy enforcement tool, particularly within a culture that values local authority and encourages inter-prefectural cooperation.

The event was attended by several prominent figures from FIA UI, including Dr. Milla Sepliana Setyowati, S.Sos, M.Ak (Vice Dean for Resources, Ventures, and General Affairs); Drs. Kusnar Budi Handaka, M.Bus (Head of UPMA and SPI); Dr. phil. Reza Fathurrahman, MPP (Secretary of the Graduate Program); Dr. Inayati, M.Si (Head of the Fiscal Administration Study Program); and Murwendah, S.I.A, M.A (Secretary of the Fiscal Administration Study Program).