The 9th International Conference on Strategic and Global Studies (ICSGS) held in Kitakyushu, Japan, concluded on Sunday, July 20, 2025, signifying a major academic collaboration between University of Indonesia (UI) and Kyushu International University (KIU), with support from Utrecht University and Syarif Hidayatullah Islamic University.

The two-day conference gathered over 100 scholars, students and professionals from 15 countries, discussing “Developmental Transitions and Social Change in Japan and Asia: Building Sustainability, Innovation, and Global Partnership for a Prosperous Future.”

In his address, UI Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah urged the global academic community to think beyond the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The rapid development of industry and technology has reshaped the global socio-economic landscape. We need to anticipate what comes after SDGs,” he said as quoted in a statement on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

He added that the partnership between Japanese and Indonesian universities offers a model for equitable North–South academic collaboration through interdisciplinary dialogue.

Prof. Nicholas Kemp, Director of the International Office at KIU, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to global academic cooperation.

“We hope this collaboration will expand into more interfaculty partnerships in the future,” he said. He also noted the significance of holding the conference in Kitakyushu, a small city whose academic and tourism potential was amplified by the event.

Halal industry and regional development

A unique aspect of this year’s conference was the discussion on the halal industry. Out of the seven main panel sessions, two were dedicated to halal-related themes, supported by Japan’s JSPS Kakenhi research fund. These panels addressed both halal certification systems and emerging business opportunities in the halal sector across Japan and ASEAN.

Japanese expert Prof. Tatsuo Hatta emphasized Fukuoka’s strategic position within East Asia’s economic epicenter − surrounded by Seoul, Busan, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong − while also noting that the region faces infrastructure challenges in meeting international tourism and industry demands, such as the lack of a major airport.

Panel and parallel sessions

Conference participants engaged in 7 seven major panel sessions and 10 parallel sessions, covering topics of:

1. Pathways to 2030: Evaluation and strategy for SDGs achievement

2. Strengthening urban and community resilience

3. Halal standardization and certification systems in Global era

4. Halal industry and new business in ASEAN and Japan

5. Industrial development and urban green futures

6. Labor, mobility, and community development

7. Indonesia and Japan relationship

Academic and policy synergies

Prof. Dr. Supriatna, Acting Director of UI’s School of Strategic and Global Studies (SKSG), highlighted the urgent need for academic collaboration in the face of an increasingly complex and interconnected global economy.

“Collaborative strategies are essential to navigate today’s ever-shifting global landscape,” he said.

Meanwhile, SKSG Deputy Director Dr. Fuad Ghani emphasized the importance of shared understanding and commitment beyond 2030.

“We must move forward together − no one should be left behind. The 9th ICSGS has shown that strong bonds exist not only between our universities but also between our nations,” he said.