On Thursday, 20 March 2025, at the Pikiran Rakyat Hall, Jalan Asia Afrika, Bandung, a discussion was held in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Asia-Africa Conference, entitled “The Spirit of Dasa Sila Bandung in Today’s International Geopolitics.” The discussion featured three speakers: Director General of Information and Public Diplomacy of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Siti Nugraha Mauludiah; UNPAR International Relations Lecturer Dr. phil. Aknolt Kristian Pakpahan; and UNPAS Lecturer Dr. Nurhasan, SH.H.Hum, and was attended by students from various universities in Bandung.

According to Aknolt, the 70th anniversary of the AAC, with the spirit of the Bandung Dasa Sila, should be leveraged by Indonesia to achieve its national interests based on the principles of independence and active engagement. “Independence” refers to the ability to pursue various international economic collaborations to realize Indonesia’s national interests in line with the Vision of Indonesia Emas 2045.

Furthermore, Aknolt explained that Indonesia has the modalities to uphold the spirit of the Bandung Dasa Sila. First, Indonesia was one of the initiating countries as well as the host of the 1955 AAC. Second, Indonesia is categorized as a middle-power country, supported by its membership in the G20, BRICS Plus, its accession to the OECD, and its strong influence in Southeast Asia.

“Indonesia’s active implementation of the spirit of the Bandung Dasa Sila is not only for the benefit of Indonesia’s national interests but also promotes equitable development, particularly in Global South countries,” Aknolt stated.