Bridging practice and policy: Fe Fikran's path through the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs
When Fe Fikran arrived at the ANU Coral Bell School, he brought with him direct professional experience in international counter-terrorism cooperation. As a Bilateral Cooperation Analyst at Indonesia's National Counter-Terrorism Agency, Fe had worked at the intersection of diplomacy, law, and regional security. At the Bell School, he found the academic home to make sense of it all.
Why the Bell School?
Fe chose the Master of International Law and Diplomacy at the ANU Coral Bell School for its strong reputation in Indo-Pacific strategic studies and its policy-relevant approach to international affairs.
"I wanted to deepen my understanding of how international law, diplomacy, and strategic studies intersect in addressing complex security challenges," Fe explains.
"The program strengthened my ability to analyse security challenges not only from a legal perspective, but also through diplomatic, political, and strategic lenses."
His professional background, in turn, enriched the learning environment around him. Fe brought practical Southeast Asian security perspectives into classroom discussions, a two-way exchange that Fe says made his time at the Bell School particularly meaningful.
Representing Indonesia and ANU
Selected from over 280 applicants, Fe represented both Indonesia and the ANU Coral Bell School at the Northern Australia–Indo-Pacific Connectivity Forum in Cairns - a gathering of young leaders, policymakers, and experts from across the region. He presented on the importance of strengthening regional cooperation to address transnational security threats, particularly terrorism.
"The experience reinforced my belief that dialogue between emerging leaders and policymakers is crucial for building long-term regional cooperation," he says. It was also a testament to the kind of opportunities the Coral Bell School opens for its students.
Filling a gap in trilateral cooperation
Fe's research focuses on the potential for structured trilateral counter-terrorism cooperation between Australia, India, and Indonesia - three countries that share common security concerns but have yet to formalise cooperation beyond bilateral arrangements.
His work examines how these partnerships could evolve beyond bilateral arrangements into something more structured and sustained. It is research with direct policy relevance at a moment when the Indo-Pacific sits at the centre of global security conversations.
Fe's advice for future students
In addition to his degree in International Law and Diplomacy, Fe leaves ANU with a sharper analytical lens and a deeper understanding of Indonesia's role as a bridge-builder in the Indo-Pacific.
"As the Indo-Pacific continues to evolve, Indonesia has an important role to play in fostering dialogue and collaboration across the region," he says. "I hope to contribute to that."
For prospective students considering the ANU Coral Bell School, Fe's advice is straightforward: come with curiosity and make the most of everything the Coral Bell School offers.
“Students have the opportunity to engage with leading scholars, policymakers, and practitioners who are actively shaping debates on international affairs,” he says. Taking full advantage of seminars, networking opportunities, and policy events can greatly enrich the learning experience.”
Fe Fikran is a graduate of the Master of International Law and Diplomacy at the ANU Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs. Learn more about the program here.