Jakarta, 15 January 2026: The ERIA School of Government (ERIA So G) organised a Fellowship Dialogue and Networking Event, reaffirming its commitment to fostering regional understanding through collaboration and policy dialogue.

The ERIA So G Fellowship Programme was established to nurture future policy leaders across ASEAN and beyond by strengthening regional understanding and promoting constructive dialogue amongst government officials, academics, and professionals. Since its launch in October 2025, the programme has provided a platform for participants to engage in policy discussions, exchange experiences, and build long-term professional networks that support regional co-operation.

Held in Jakarta, the Fellowship Dialogue and Networking Event served primarily as an introductory forum. It brought together ERIA So G Fellows, members of the So G Selection Committee, the Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN, representatives from the Permanent Missions of ASEAN Member States, representatives from Indonesia’s Ministry of State Secretariat, and institutional partners. The open and informal setting enabled participants to become acquainted with one another, share initial reflections on the fellowship, and establish connections with key institutional stakeholders.

The event opened with opening remarks by Professor Nobuhiro Aizawa (Dean of the ERIA So G), H.E. Dr Hassan Wirajuda (Rector of Universitas Prasetiya Mulia and Former Foreign Affairs Minister of Indonesia), and Dr Aladdin Rillo (Managing Director for Policy Design and Operations at ERIA). They highlighted the importance of building strong professional networks to support policy dialogue and regional co-operation. The ensuing discussions focused on exchanging perspectives, fostering mutual understanding, and laying the groundwork for future collaboration.

Through this engagement, the ERIA So G aims to position the Fellowship network as the foundation of a growing community of future policy leaders. The event also contributes to ERIA’s broader efforts to support ASEAN’s vision for regional integration, policy capacity building, and human resource development.