Depok, June 30, 2025 — The complex challenges faced by the public sector in the modern era demand approaches that move beyond conventional methods. Amid the growing need for cross-sectoral solutions, collaborative governance is becoming increasingly relevant as an innovative strategy to address the evolving dynamics of public problems.

As part of its commitment to promoting inclusive and participatory governance, the Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FIA UI), welcomed Prof. Jacob Torfing, Professor of Political Science and Institutions at Roskilde University, Denmark, as a Visiting Professor and keynote speaker in a public lecture titled “Collaborative Governance in the Age of Complexity,” held at the Prof. Prajudi Atmosudirjo Building, 1st Floor, FIA UI Campus, Depok, on Monday, June 30.

Prof. Torfing’s visit was particularly noteworthy due to his international recognition. According to the reputable academic site research.com, Prof. Jacob Torfing is currently ranked as the #1 most influential political science researcher in Denmark and is widely recognized for his work on collaborative governance.

In her opening remarks, the Dean of FIA UI, Prof. Dr. Dra. Retno Kusumastuti Hardjono, M.Si., stated that this partnership goes beyond academic exchange, representing a strategic step toward promoting more adaptive and collaborative public policy innovation.

“Amid increasingly complex governance challenges, FIA UI is committed to strengthening the academic and research ecosystem through international partnerships. Prof. Torfing’s visit marks an important moment in building a bridge between knowledge and innovative governance practices in Indonesia,” she said.

In his presentation, Prof. Torfing emphasized that collaborative governance is not merely about cross-sector cooperation, but about building a more democratic, inclusive, and innovative system of government.

“Collaborative governance also drives innovation in the public sector and creates a stronger governance system because of the convergence of multiple actors and ideas, which stimulates the creation of public value. Fundamentally, it produces robust solutions that preserve the core functions, goals, and values of society through effective and innovative methods,” he explained.

He further noted that the collaborative approach strengthens policy legitimacy and improves the efficiency of public services through joint innovation.

He also explained that collaborative governance does not emerge spontaneously; it must be supported by clear rules and metagovernance — a form of governance that influences the processes and outcomes of collaborative governance without excessive control or command.

In addition to delivering the public lecture, Prof. Torfing’s visit included discussion sessions and the exploration of potential joint research collaborations with FIA UI academics. He was accompanied by Prof. Eva Sørensen, Professor of Public Administration and Democracy at Roskilde University, who is also known for her contributions to the field of public policy co-creation. According to research.com, Prof. Eva Sørensen is currently ranked #3 among the most influential political science researchers in Denmark.

This event was part of FIA UI’s internationalization agenda to strengthen its global academic network and expand the contribution of academic knowledge to public governance reform in Indonesia.