Banda Aceh, 6 May 2026: Professor Nobuhiro Aizawa, Dean and Managing Director of the ERIA School of Government (So G), delivered a guest lecture at Universitas Syiah Kuala at the invitation of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The session opened with remarks from Professor Agussabti, Vice Rector of Universitas Syiah Kuala, and Professor Mahdi Syahbandir, Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP).

In his lecture, Professor Aizawa reflected on his long-standing connection with the region, noting that ‘Aceh has been a special place for me.’ He described himself as both a lecturer and a student of Indonesia’s history and emphasised the importance of dialogue in academic engagement, calling it ‘an intellectual building together between the students.’

Framing his lecture around the question, ‘What kind of society do you want to build?’, Professor Aizawa identified prosperity, safety, and freedom as three essential elements in the study of international relations. He also acknowledged the challenge of achieving all three simultaneously.

Discussing Japan’s approach, Professor Aizawa explained that the country has sought to balance these elements by pursuing ‘prosperity, safety, freedom.’ He underscored that achieving such goals requires cooperation and partnership, stressing that it is ‘not possible to do it alone.’

Professor Aizawa also addressed the international dimension of the Aceh peace process. He noted that discussions held in Tokyo prior to the Helsinki Agreement contributed to trust-building and helped establish a foundation for negotiations. He emphasised that peacebuilding is a gradual process involving repeated efforts and accumulated learning, placing the Aceh experience within a broader international context.

He further elaborated on Japan’s long-term engagement in Southeast Asia through institution building, stating that ‘institution building is trust building.’ He highlighted support for legal, educational, and governance systems, as well as post-conflict recovery and disaster management initiatives. Drawing parallels between Japan and Indonesia, he noted shared challenges, including natural disasters, and stressed the importance of sustained regional cooperation.

Concluding the lecture, Professor Aizawa encouraged students to continue reflecting on the kind of society they wish to build and to engage internationally in pursuit of prosperity, safety, and freedom. The lecture forms part of ERIA’s ongoing efforts to engage with academic institutions across the region and contribute to capacity building in public policy.