VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Indonesian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ireland and the International Maritime Organization, Desra Percaya, received an honorary Doctorate in Civil Law from Durham University, England, on Friday (5/1/2024). This honorary title was given in recognition of Ambassador Desra's extraordinary achievements in his work in the field of diplomacy.

In the official statement from the Indonesian Embassy in London, it was stated that Desra Percaya hopes that this award could encourage increased cooperation between the UK and Indonesia. He called the education sector one of the keys that can be utilized to improve bilateral relations between the two countries.

The title of Doctor of Civil Law is the second honorary title from British academic circles for Ambassador Desra. Previously, Ambassador Desra was awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa or Honorary Doctorate from the University of Birmingham in 2014.

Apart from Ambassador Desra, several figures on the list of recipients this year include former British National Security Advisor, Lord Darroch of Kew and St Mawes KCMG, as well as London city councilor, Alison Gowman, and Durham-born singer, Dame Sarah Conollykk. Durham University, which was founded in 1832, is the third oldest university in England and a popular destination for Indonesian students.

This year, bilateral relations between Indonesia and the UK are entering their 75th year, and educational cooperation is one of the main pillars of the partnership according to the 2022-2024 Partnership Roadmap.