This paper analyzes Kemlu’s transition from a coordinating role to a controller in Indonesia’s foreign affairs under Presidential Regulation No. 150 of 2024. President Prabowo Subianto elevated the Ministry’s influence across the national government, making it the controller of the country’s foreign affairs with functions of coordination, synchronization, and control (KORSIDAL). As cont…
This paper examines Indonesia’s energy partnerships with sub-Saharan African countries, specifically Angola, Tanzania and Namibia, with the aim of strengthening national energy resilience. Pertamina already has upstream oil and gas activities in Angola and Tanzania, and there is potential for development in Namibia. A SWOT analysis reveals that the company's strengths include the legacy of th…
This paper explores the potential of UN reform as a strategic entry point through which Indonesia could strengthen its role in multilateral diplomacy. As it approaches its 80th anniversary, the UN is facing serious challenges, including financial shortfalls, an overloaded agenda, overlapping mandates and the frequent misuse of veto power in the Security Council. Indonesia’s approach to UN ref…
This paper argues that building Indonesia’s global media presence is a strategic imperative that can support foreign policy and narrative power. Although Vision 2045 aims to establish Indonesia as one of the world’s top fifteen powers, its international media presence is currently limited. TVRI World and RRI Voice of Indonesia have a limited reach, and ANTARA English, The Jakarta Post and T…
This paper examines the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ strategic role in coordinating and leading Bilateral Maritime Forums (BMFs) following the 2024 dissolution of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment. As the world’s largest archipelagic state at the crossroads of global sea lanes, Indonesia requires coherent maritime diplomacy to safeguard national security, promote…
This paper introduces Counterparts Profiling as a strategic tool for strengthening Indonesia’s diplomatic engagement at all levels. By creating a database of profiles of its counterparts and systematically analysing their personal traits, behavioural tendencies and psychological patterns, Indonesia can improve negotiation outcomes, strengthen trust and enhance strategic communication. The aut…
This paper examines the shift from geopolitics to geoeconomics as the principal arena of global power competition and offers strategic options for Indonesia. Geoeconomics treats trade, investment, technology, and sanctions as instruments for states to pursue strategic objectives, requiring Indonesia to choose between remaining a rule-taker or becoming a rule-shaper. Four forces shape the curren…
This paper argues for Indonesia to continue strengthening its footprint in UN Peacekeeping Operations (UN PKO) amid the UN’s liquidity crisis and the trend of mission closures. Indonesia currently ranks fifth globally as a troop contributor with 2,766 personnel deployed across eight missions, reflecting its constitutional mandate and independent and active foreign policy. Challenges such as t…
This paper explores ways to strengthen the Museum of the Asian-African Conference (MKAA) as an instrument of public diplomacy and as a symbol of Indonesia’s diplomatic heritage. As the only museum under the remit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the MKAA embodies the Bandung Spirit and Indonesia’s historic leadership in global solidarity. However, the museum faces institutional challenge…
This paper analyses the urgent need to strengthen the management of local staff (LS) within Indonesian representative offices abroad, particularly in relation to the "4+1" foreign policy priorities and the 'Infrastructure of Diplomacy' pillar. LS play a vital role in supporting diplomatic, consular and administrative functions, yet they face challenges relating to compensation, compliance with …