Utama Potential University Holds Strategic Discussion: "BRICS, Global South Development Agenda, Indonesian Perspective" with Senior Strategic Officials from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Medan, 10 February 2026 – Potential Main University's International Relations (HI) Study Program successfully held a Public Lecture with the strategic theme, "BRICS – Global South Development Agenda – Indonesia Perspective." The event, which was held Monday 9 February 2026, presented the main speaker, Mr. Assoc. Prof. Leonard Felix Hutabarat, Ph.D, a Senior Strategic Officer, Foreign Policy Strategy Agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.
This guest lecture is part of the International Relations Study Program's commitment to providing applicable global insights and building bridges between international relations theory and the reality of Indonesian diplomacy. The BRICS and Global South themes were deliberately chosen because of their high relevance to Indonesia's position and opportunities amidst contemporary geopolitical and geoeconomic dynamics.
In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Education, Main Potential University, Dr. Ashari Swondo, M. Hum. emphasized that the International Relations Study Program consistently presents quality academic forums as a form of the University's real contribution in preparing a competent, characterful and globally oriented generation.
"We are very proud to be able to present sources directly from the heart of Indonesia's foreign policy makers. The BRICS discussion is not only about the group of countries, but about how Indonesia positions itself and takes advantage of the development flows of the Global South countries for national interests," said Head of the International Relations Study Program at Potential Main University, Dr. Stivani Ismawira Sinambela, M.H.I., M.Sc.
In his in-depth presentation, Mr. Leonard Felix Hutabarat outlined the evolution of BRICS, shifts in global economic power, as well as emerging strategic opportunities and challenges for Indonesia. He emphasized the importance of active Indonesian diplomacy in various Global South forums to encourage global governance that is more inclusive, fair and pro-development. "BRICS represents the collective voice of emerging economies. Indonesia's perspective is how we become part of the narrative, not just spectators, to fight for national interests such as regional stability, market access and technology transfer," explained Mr Leonard in his presentation.
In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Education, Main Potential University, Dr. Ashari Swondo, M. Hum. emphasized that the International Relations Study Program consistently presents quality academic forums as a form of the University's real contribution in preparing a competent, characterful and globally oriented generation.
"We are very proud to be able to present sources directly from the heart of Indonesia's foreign policy makers. The BRICS discussion is not only about the group of countries, but about how Indonesia positions itself and takes advantage of the development flows of the Global South countries for national interests," said Head of the International Relations Study Program at Potential Main University, Dr. Stivani Ismawira Sinambela, M.H.I., M.Sc.
In his in-depth presentation, Mr. Leonard Felix Hutabarat outlined the evolution of BRICS, shifts in global economic power, as well as emerging strategic opportunities and challenges for Indonesia. He emphasized the importance of active Indonesian diplomacy in various Global South forums to encourage global governance that is more inclusive, fair and pro-development. "BRICS represents the collective voice of emerging economies. Indonesia's perspective is how we become part of the narrative, not just spectators, to fight for national interests such as regional stability, market access and technology transfer," explained Mr Leonard in his presentation.
This event was not only attended by students and lecturers at Potential Main University, but also had the honor of presenting five Consular/Consul General representatives from friendly countries based in Medan. Their presence indicates the importance of this topic in international relations. Some of the Consuls who attended were: Consul General of Malaysia H.E. Mr. Shahril Nizam Abdul Malek, Deputy Consul General of PR China H.E. Mr Song Jianming, Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany Mr Daniel Adhiyaksa Darmadi, Honorary Consul of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste Mr Irawan Mae-Lequi, and Representative of the Honorary Consul General of Turkey Mr Edi Siswanto.
What is encouraging is that this public lecture was also attended by 120 selected students from various high schools and vocational schools in Medan City. The participation of high school students is an initiative of the International Relations Study Program to introduce the study of international relations and global issues from an early age, as well as develop future diplomatic talent. "It was very inspiring to hear directly from a senior diplomat. I have a real picture of how the theories in the book are applied in our foreign policy," said one of the student participants from MAN 1 Medan.
What is encouraging is that this public lecture was also attended by 120 selected students from various high schools and vocational schools in Medan City. The participation of high school students is an initiative of the International Relations Study Program to introduce the study of international relations and global issues from an early age, as well as develop future diplomatic talent. "It was very inspiring to hear directly from a senior diplomat. I have a real picture of how the theories in the book are applied in our foreign policy," said one of the student participants from MAN 1 Medan.
The event continued with an interactive question and answer session, where participants from the consulate, university students, and high school/vocational school students actively discussed various aspects such as the prospect of Indonesia's membership in BRICS, digital economic strategies, and the role of Generation Z in public diplomacy.
By holding this event, Potential Main University through the International Relations Study Program reaffirms its role as a center of excellence in social, political and international relations studies in the North Sumatra region, which continues to be committed to producing graduates who think globally and make real contributions to the nation.
By holding this event, Potential Main University through the International Relations Study Program reaffirms its role as a center of excellence in social, political and international relations studies in the North Sumatra region, which continues to be committed to producing graduates who think globally and make real contributions to the nation.
