Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), led by the Indonesian Student Association and the Global Relations Division, organised Indonesian Day 2025, a vibrant celebration of 75 Years of Indonesia–Thailand Diplomatic Relations, on 14 November 2025. The event attracted over 70 Thai and international students, lecturers, and staff.
Under the theme “SEAblings Solidarity” (a portmanteau of ‘siblings’ and ‘SEA’ for Southeast Asia), the event was designed to strengthen academic, cultural, and people-to-people relations between Indonesia and Thailand. It also highlighted the contribution of higher education and cultural exchanges to regional solidarity and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event featured key academic activities, including
• A lecture on “75 Years of Indonesia–Thailand Partnership” by H.E. Mr. Rachmat Budiman, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Thailand
• A roundtable discussion focusing on the "Role of Higher Education in Achieving Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3 & 4)."
The discussion, moderated by Ms. Reni Juwitasari (Researcher, ARCID), invited Dr. Cyti Daniela Aruan, Education and Culture Attaché, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, and Dr. Thanikun Chantra, Dean of the School of Social Innovation, Mae Fah Luang University. They shared their insights on the role of education in promoting well-being and sustainable development in ASEAN from the perspectives of Thailand and Indonesia.
Beyond the academic session, participants also immersed themselves in cultural activities through various booths offering Indonesian food (covering main dishes, desserts, and snacks), an Angklung Workshop, and a 'Tempe' (traditional Indonesian fermented soybean food) Making Demonstration session.
H.E. Mr. Rachmat Budiman, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Thailand and Prof. Dr. Sujitra Wongkasemjit, Vice President of Mae Fah Luang University, presided over the opening ceremony. They jointly cut the “Tumpeng” (a ceremonial cone-shaped rice dish), a symbol of gratitude and celebration, to officially open the event.
The Vice President stated, “At Mae Fah Luang University, we strongly believe that education and cultural exchange are powerful tools in building mutual understanding and respect among nations. Events such as Indonesian Day provide our students with the chance to learn beyond the classroom, to appreciate diversity, experience cultural expressions, and strengthen their global mindset, which is essential for becoming global citizens in the future.”
The event provided a valuable oppportunity for the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Thailand to meet MFU executives to discuss further collaboration and to meet the Indonesian community at MFU. Ultimately, the Indonesian Day serves as a reminder that through friendship, education, and culture, the two countries can continue to build a stronger and more connected ASEAN community, one that truly embodies understanding and unity in diversity.
