Sultan Bahtiar Najmuddin, the head of the Regional Representation Council in Indonesia, received an honorary doctorate from the Korea Maritime and Ocean University (KMOU) during a grand academic ceremony held in Busan, South Korea, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. In his speech, Sultan emphasized that seas are not merely geographical spaces but serve as a bridge connecting nations through cooperation and innovation.
In his address, Sultan pointed out that seas play a strategic role in linking civilizations and establishing a future of global cooperation. He also called for a focus on sustainable development and social justice, aligning with the vision of a green economy and a blue economy.
Event Details
The ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including the President of KMOU, Professor Ryu Dong-kyun, and various faculty members. Sultan Bahtiar Najmuddin was honored as the first Indonesian to receive this title from the university, following former president Megawati Sukarnoputri.
In his speech after receiving the title, Sultan expressed his gratitude to KMOU for this honor, noting that this title recognizes local communities in Indonesia, particularly coastal and island communities. He also emphasized the importance of this honor as a moral responsibility that must be upheld.
Background & Context
Founded in 1979, the Korea Maritime and Ocean University is one of South Korea's leading academic institutions focusing on education and research in marine and ocean sciences. Sultan Bahtiar Najmuddin has extensive experience in politics and development, working to enhance the role of regions in national development.
Sultan is known for his strong support of the Marine Areas Law, which aims to improve policies for the benefit of coastal and island communities in Indonesia. This honor reflects international recognition of his efforts to promote sustainable development.
Impact & Consequences
This honor is considered a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and South Korea, especially in the fields of maritime sector development and coastal communities. It also reflects the importance of international cooperation in addressing environmental and economic challenges.
Sultan Bahtiar Najmuddin sees a strategic opportunity to enhance cooperation between Korean maritime technology and Indonesia's natural resources, which could contribute to achieving sustainable development and economic growth.
Regional Significance
The relations between Arab countries and South Korea are continuously evolving, particularly in trade and technology. Arab nations can benefit from Indonesia's experiences in promoting sustainable development, especially in coastal areas.
In conclusion, the honor bestowed upon Sultan Bahtiar Najmuddin represents an opportunity to enhance dialogue between different cultures and reflects the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.