UPNVJ Public Relations – Indonesia, as the world's largest archipelagic nation with over 17,000 islands and a maritime territory of 6.4 million km², places the sea as the backbone of its life. The sea is not merely a divider, but also a unifier, a source of resources, a communication route, and a strategic space for national defense. However, threats such as illegal fishing, smuggling, marine ecosystem destruction, and territorial violations by foreign vessels threaten Indonesia's maritime sovereignty.

To strengthen awareness of maritime national defense, the Veteran National Development University Jakarta (UPNVJ) held a public lecture on maritime matters on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Auditorium, Pondok Labu Campus, Jakarta. The event featured Retired Admiral Dr. Ade Supandi, former Chief of Staff of the Navy (KSAL) from 2013 to 2018, as a resource person, and was attended by students and lecturers from various study programs.

In his remarks, UPNVJ Rector, Prof. Anter Venus, emphasized the importance of this public lecture in broadening the horizons of the younger generation. "Students, as agents of change and future leaders of the nation, must possess a strong maritime awareness. The campus must become a maritime incubator that encourages innovation, research, and synergy with the Indonesian Navy, state institutions, and the community," he said.

This public lecture aims to instill the values of national defense in a maritime context in students. Maritime threats, such as the conflict in the South China Sea, demonstrate the complexity of the challenges facing Indonesia as a global maritime axis. Students are expected not only to understand the potential of the sea but also to contribute through research, community service, and creative activities to safeguard maritime sovereignty.

This event is a strategic step by UPNVJ to support Indonesia's vision as the Global Maritime Axis. Through understanding and concrete action, the campus's young generation is expected to be at the forefront of protecting Indonesia's seas, from the coast to the ocean.