Avoiding Risk of Becoming Failed State, Center for Pancasila Studies Holds Workshop

According to Rao, his side will encourage many partnerships with a number of UGM Faculties. Several of them has even  partnered with various US universities. “We are trying to increase more extensive collaborations in science, technology, energy and environment,”  Rao told journalists at UC Resto, Monday evening.

Responding to a question from a journalist with regard to the planned visit by US President Barack Obama to Indonesia this year, Rao said that it was already planned, referring to Mr. Obama’s statement to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono recently. Rao, however, cannot yet confirm whether Mr. Obama will visit Yogyakarta after his visit to Jakarta. “As he was raised in Indonesia, he will come with his family to see his old school, SD Menteng,” he said.

Center for Pancasila Studies of Universitas Gadjah Mada plans to hold an informal discussion entitled Finding Solutions for the National Crisis that will be held at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, UGM, on Wednesday, July 21, 2010. As planned, the event will present Governor of Yogyakarta Sri Sultan HB X, Drs. HM. Idham Samawi, Prof. Dr. dr. Sutaryo, the prominent educators, cultural figures, religious figures, youth and students.

According to the Head of the Center, Drs. Sindung Tjahyadi, M. Hum, the format of the event is slightly different from the previous ones. It will gather speakers and participants in the same position, exchanging views on various nation’s problems. "Actually, this informal discussion is open to anyone. The committee, however, will selectively invite participants of various ages and professions," he said, Monday (19/7).

Therefore, the event is expected to generate agreements on the conceptual, institutional levels and program of action. These efforts are expected to help resolve the current issues of nationality. Therefore, in accordance with the spirit of gatherings, those present have the same opportunity to convey their thoughts on nationality. "This informal discussion is a serious one but the audience will be entertained with an animated film, Garuda Pancasila, macapat and siteran (Javanese recital and music)," he said.