Jakarta, 15 January 2026: The ERIA School of Government (ERIA So G) held its inaugural Public Seminar, an open forum that welcomed external audiences and speakers and provided a broader platform for engagement, cross-institutional learning, and the dissemination of research findings.

By bringing together ERIA colleagues and external experts, the seminar aimed to enrich discussions, foster collaboration, and further strengthen the research of ERIA So G Fellows as they conclude their fellowship period. This inaugural Public Seminar also marked the final fellowship research presentation of Mr Ali Salmande, a Fellow at the ERIA So G.

The event opened with opening remarks by Professor Nobuhiro Aizawa, Dean of the ERIA School of Government, followed by Mr Salmande’s presentation on the settlement of disputes related to the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) through domestic courts within ASEAN.

In his study, Mr Salmande conducted a comparative analysis of how ATIGA-related disputes are adjudicated in Malaysia and Indonesia. His findings highlighted the potential for ASEAN to further enhance economic integration through the rule of law, particularly by empowering domestic courts to act as effective enforcers of ATIGA in a manner consistent with the ASEAN Way.

The presentation was followed by an engaging discussion that offered critical perspectives ASEAN legal enforcement and regional trade governance. The seminar reflected the ERIA So G’s broader efforts to foster an inclusive scholarly community by encouraging Fellows to engage with partners committed to addressing regional public policy challenges. Through its fellowship programme, the ERIA So G aims to build a network of experts dedicated to advancing regional public interests and supporting community-building in Southeast Asia and East Asia.