Attended by the Canadian Ambassador, Professor Christopher Manfred Delivers Public Lecture on the Role of Judicial Institutions for Democracy

FISIP Building, UIN Online News - The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at the State Islamic University (UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta held a public lecture entitled "The Role Courts in Constitutional Democracies" at the Bahtiar Effendy Auditorium, FISIP Building, on Wednesday (24/4/2024). The public lecture was attended by academics, students, as well as several important figures in the fields of law and politics, including the Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia, Jess Dutton.

The public lecture began with remarks from the Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Prof. Dr. Dzuriyatun Toyibah, M.Si., M.A., who emphasized the importance of international cooperation in the fields of education and law that have helped improve academic quality in Indonesia. "Collaboration with international universities and institutions, especially McGill University in Canada, has had a significant impact on teaching and learning in our faculty," said the Dean.

The Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia, Jess Dutton, in his speech, underscored the importance of bilateral relations between Canada and Indonesia, particularly in strengthening economic and educational ties. He added, "Canada greatly values its partnership with Indonesia, a country with the world's third-largest democracy and tremendous growth potential in the future."

The keynote speaker, Professor Christopher Manfredy from McGill University, provided insights into the role of courts in safeguarding constitutional democracy. In his discussion, he presented comparative analyses of judicial systems in various countries and how these systems can influence political stability and public trust in democratic institutions.

The event also served as a platform for discussions on the influence of court decisions on the results of Indonesia's 2024 general elections, which have recently become a hot topic among the public and media.

"It is important for us to understand that the role of the courts is not only to protect the constitution but also to safeguard democratic values," concluded Professor Manfredy.

The public lecture concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, where participants had the opportunity to delve deeper into the material presented and ask specific questions regarding current issues in the context of law and politics.

The International Cooperation Service Center (PLKI) at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, under the leadership of Prof. Maila Dini Husni Rahiem, Ph.D., plays a key role in enhancing academic and international cooperation. PLKI has launched an Adjunct Professor program aimed at integrating international experts and academics into teaching and research activities at UIN Jakarta. Professors Christopher Manfredy and Phil Buckley are two of the many academics involved in this program, providing global perspectives and enriching academic content delivered to students.

Furthermore, PLKI also plays a crucial role in facilitating the visits of important international figures, including the Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia, His Excellency Jess Dutton. His presence in the public lecture at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences is one of PLKI's many efforts to foster broader dialogue and collaboration between Indonesia and Canada, especially in the fields of education and research. This activity not only supports the exchange of knowledge but also strengthens bilateral relations between the two countries. (Dzikri R./ZM/Faadhila Idris)