AIFIS Joins in Commemorating America’s 250th Anniversary

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the American Institute for Indonesian Studies (AIFIS) is proud to join the global celebration of this historic milestone.

AIFIS is dedicated to fostering academic exchange and mutual understanding between the United States and Indonesia. In line with this mission, we are committed to commemorating the Semiquincentennial by highlighting the enduring values that have shaped the American experience—innovation, diplomacy, academic freedom, and democratic ideals.

As a member of the Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC)—a network of 25 Overseas Research Centers supporting American scholars around the world—AIFIS is uniquely positioned to honor this anniversary in an international context. Through collaborative research, public programming, and scholarly dialogue, we seek to explore the United States’ evolving role as a global partner and leader.

In the coming months, AIFIS will launch special initiatives that reflect on the shared values and histories connecting the U.S. and Indonesia. These will include seminars, lectures, and collaborative projects that engage both American and Indonesian academic communities in critical conversations on democracy, cultural heritage, and global challenges.

We look forward to commemorating this momentous occasion together, as we reflect not only on America's past but also on the promise of its future—a future rooted in global connection, cooperation, and curiosity.