Jakarta, INTI - Abdullah Assegaf, S.Sos., M.Hub.Int., a lecturer in International Relations at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Universitas Brawijaya (UB), and Coordinator of the FISIP UB Iran Corner, has continued his academic and cultural diplomacy program in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

After completing several activities in Isfahan, Abdullah traveled to Tehran on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, to take part in a series of conferences, seminars, academic meetings, and institutional dialogues.

The visit is part of an international program organized by Iran’s Islamic Culture and Relations Organization (ICRO). Abdullah was officially invited to participate in the International Short Course titled “International Cultural Dialogue: The Legacy of Imam Ali Khamenei in International Relations and New Islamic Civilization,” which is being held in Iran from August 19 to September 1, 2026.

The program brings together academics and university leaders to discuss contemporary international relations, Islamic civilization, cultural diplomacy, regional cooperation, and emerging global challenges.

AI and Data Governance Take Center Stage in Isfahan

One of the key activities in Isfahan was an academic discussion on the development of artificial intelligence (AI) at Islamic Azad University of Isfahan, Khorasgan.

The event also attracted attention from Iranian media. During the discussion, Abdullah highlighted data governance, technological sovereignty, and opportunities for Indonesia and Iran to develop complementary technological capabilities.

Abdullah argued that the development of AI should be viewed beyond advances in devices and algorithms. The ability to manage data, determine how it is used, and transform data into knowledge is increasingly important to a society’s technological independence amid the digital transformation.

“Data governance can begin with even the simplest forms of information. The fundamental issue is how data is collected, processed, interpreted, and used to support decision-making. In the context of AI, these capabilities are becoming increasingly important because data serves as the foundation for developing knowledge and emerging technologies,” Abdullah said.

At the Isfahan forum, Abdullah also emphasized the importance of countries maintaining control over their own data while adopting global technologies.

International cooperation in technology remains essential, as no country can independently meet all of its technological needs. However, such cooperation should be accompanied by the ability to protect strategic interests and strengthen domestic capabilities.

Indonesia and Iran have different technological experiences and strengths, Abdullah noted. Rather than being a limitation, these differences could create opportunities for both countries to learn from one another and develop complementary capabilities.

Cooperation in AI and data governance could therefore become a new area for academic and technological collaboration between Indonesia and Iran.

For Abdullah, discussions surrounding AI ultimately extend to the future of international relations. A country’s command of technology, knowledge, and data increasingly influences its ability to make independent strategic decisions.

He believes Indonesia-Iran cooperation should therefore focus on knowledge development, experience sharing, and human resource capacity building.

Strengthening the Indonesia-Iran Academic Network

Abdullah’s participation in the program also carries significance for the development of the Iran Corner at FISIP Universitas Brawijaya.

Through initiatives such as this, Iran Corner can further serve as a platform connecting academics, students, researchers, and institutions from Indonesia and Iran to foster dialogue on international relations, culture, education, technology, and global issues.

Direct engagement with Iranian academics and institutions also provides opportunities to expand cooperation networks that could lead to joint seminars, guest lectures, academic exchanges, collaborative research, and scholarly publications.

The initiative aligns with ICRO’s objective of providing participants with opportunities to visit leading academic, cultural, and research institutions in Iran while exchanging perspectives with Iranian academics and experts.

Academic Diplomacy Continues in Tehran

Following the completion of his activities in Isfahan, Abdullah’s academic journey continued in Tehran. On August 26, the delegation traveled to the Iranian capital, where it was scheduled to meet officials responsible for developing scientific and cultural cooperation.

Several key activities were scheduled in Tehran, including participation in the Proximity Conference, or Taqrib Mazahib Islami Conference, on August 28, university visits and meetings on August 29, as well as a visit to Amirkabir University and an academic meeting on August 31, 2026.

The program is scheduled to conclude on September 1 with a closing ceremony and the presentation of the inaugural Cultural and Public Diplomacy Award of the Islamic Republic of Iran, before the delegation returns via Istanbul.

The journey from Isfahan to Tehran represents a continuation of efforts to strengthen Indonesia-Iran relations through academic engagement and knowledge diplomacy.

Discussions covering AI, data governance, education, international relations, and cultural diplomacy demonstrate the expanding potential for cooperation between the two countries.

The participation of Indonesian academics in these forums also highlights how Indonesia-Iran relations can be further developed through networks connecting universities and academic communities.

Through his role as an International Relations lecturer and Coordinator of the FISIP UB Iran Corner, Abdullah hopes the series of meetings in Iran will create more opportunities for concrete and sustainable collaboration between academic institutions and communities in both countries.

Conclusion 

Indonesia-Iran academic engagement is expanding into emerging areas such as AI, data governance, education, and technology. These exchanges can help strengthen knowledge networks, develop human capital, and create long-term opportunities for collaboration between the two countries. 

Read more: Deputy Minister Stella Cristie Urges Universities to Remain as Creators of Knowledge in the AI ​​Era