Hafid Abbas
International Consultant at SEAMEO RETRAC, Ho Chi Minh, 2014
Southeast Asia, long admired for its cultural richness and diverse histories, now stands at a pivotal moment in its development. As ASEAN sets its sights on becoming a unified community of nations by 2035—politically, economically, and socio-culturally—it faces a host of complex and deeply entrenched various challenges that must be addressed to realize that vision.
First, among these are unresolved border disputes, such as those between Thailand and Cambodia, that continue to strain regional relations. Compounding this are widespread transnational crimes including human trafficking, terrorism, narcotics and arms smuggling, which undermine regional security and social trust. Although ASEAN has made remarkable strides in economic integration, peace and stability remain fragile foundations that require sustained efforts. In this context, the proposal to establish the SEAMEO UNHAS Regional Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution—hosted by Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) in Indonesia—emerges as a critical intervention. More than a symbolic gesture, this center is poised to serve as an active platform to address the roots of conflict, foster reconciliation, and strengthen ASEAN’s collective resilience, while also aligning with global peace agendas led by the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Secondly, the strength and legitimacy of this proposed center lie in the rich peacebuilding legacy of Hasanuddin University. UNHAS is not new to the field of conflict resolution; it has produced several notable alumni who have played instrumental roles in advancing peace in Indonesia and beyond. Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, one of its most distinguished alumni, is widely respected for facilitating peace negotiations during some of Indonesia’s most violent internal conflicts. His role in the Malino Declarations, which ended the sectarian violence in Poso and Ambon, and in the Helsinki Peace Accord of 2005, which concluded more than three decades of separatist conflict in Aceh, stands as a testament to the effectiveness of homegrown diplomacy rooted in cultural understanding. Alongside him, other UNHAS alumni such as Hamid Awaluddin and Farid Husen also played pivotal roles in facilitating peace through negotiation and dialogue. UNHAS’s Center for Peace, Conflict, and Democracy (CPCD) has been actively contributing to the peace discourse through research, education, and community-based initiatives. The new SEAMEO Regional Center will not only build upon these foundational efforts but will elevate them to a broader regional and international level. By integrating SEAMEO’s mission with UNHAS’s existing resources, the center can become a hub for training peacebuilders, researching root causes of conflict, and promoting sustainable diplomacy throughout Southeast Asia.
Thirdly, what gives the SEAMEO UNHAS initiative a unique depth and historical resonance is its profound symbolic connection with South Africa—particularly through its association with the legacy of Nelson Mandela. This transcontinental connection is rooted in shared history and cultural ties that date back centuries, most notably through the historical links between the Indonesian city of Makassar and the South African town of Macassar, located near Cape Town. This cultural connection is not only historical but also institutional. In 2005, UNHAS awarded Nelson Mandela an honorary doctorate in recognition of his lifelong dedication to justice, peace, and reconciliation. This symbolic act forged a strong moral bond between the university and Mandela’s global legacy. His connection to the university adds immense value to the vision of the SEAMEO UNHAS Regional Center, offering a narrative of South-South solidarity and shared aspirations.
The link between Makassar of Indonesia and Macassar of South Africa serves as a metaphorical and historical bridge between Southeast Asia and Africa, two regions that have endured the wounds of colonialism and the struggles for self-determination. This unique bond creates an unparalleled foundation upon which the SEAMEO UNHAS Center can build a peace initiative that is truly global in spirit but locally grounded in its approach.
Fourth, while the center is rooted in Indonesia’s national and regional context, its scope and ambitions are unmistakably global. The SEAMEO UNHAS Regional Center is not envisioned merely as a domestic or even ASEAN-focused entity—it is intended to be a hub of peacebuilding that connects Southeast Asia with the broader Global South, including Africa, and the Middle East. Given Indonesia’s strategic roles within NAM, OIC, and the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership (NAASP), the country is uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between regions. The center will operate on several fronts. It will provide training programs for young leaders and conflict mediators, support research into the causes and dynamics of regional conflicts, and foster dialogue between governments, civil society, and academia. With its newly developed Jakarta campus—equipped with modern facilities, conference halls, and accommodations for visiting scholars and international dignitaries—the center is well-positioned to host peace summits, international forums, and leadership residencies. These efforts will create an ecosystem of collaboration and knowledge exchange, enabling ASEAN to take proactive leadership in global peacebuilding efforts.
Finally, the operational focus of the SEAMEO UNHAS Regional Center will revolve around three thematic pillars that respond directly to ASEAN’s current challenges. First, regional peacebuilding will be a cornerstone activity, particularly in addressing border disputes and fostering mechanisms for regional conflict prevention and resolution. By offering neutral grounds for dialogue and providing mediation expertise, the center can help defuse tensions before they escalate into violence. Secondly, combating transnational organized crimes will be a major agenda. These crimes—ranging from human and drug trafficking to extremist violence—pose grave threats to stability, and the center will aim to foster cross-border cooperation, law enforcement training, and community-level interventions. Third, the integration of peace education into ASEAN’s educational systems will be essential. Educating young people about conflict resolution, tolerance, and intercultural dialogue will help build a generation equipped to lead the region toward a more peaceful future. In this way, the center will not only respond to immediate conflicts but also work on long-term structural change.
Ultimately, the SEAMEO UNHAS Regional Center is more than an institutional initiative; it is a visionary investment in the future of Southeast Asia and the Global South—a platform that brings together history, education, diplomacy, and shared humanity to create sustainable peace. As ASEAN strives toward unity, the success of this center could very well determine whether that unity is founded on enduring peace or merely on fragile agreements. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Peace is not just the absence of conflict; peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, class, caste, or any other social markers of difference.” This vision must now guide Southeast Asia forward.
