This policy paper examines Indonesia’s strategic response to the volatility of U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump’s second administration and its implications for Indonesia’s bebas-aktif foreign policy. Using international relations theory, the cone of plausibility model, and SWOT analysis, it identifies pragmatic transactionalism as a strategic approach that enables selecti…
This policy paper examines the need to strengthen evidence-based diplomatic decision-making within Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs amid evolving geopolitical dynamics and technological advancements. It highlights the risks of inconsistent policies and limited analytical capacity resulting from insufficiently standardized decision-making frameworks. The paper recommends developing dipl…
This policy paper examines Indonesia’s strategic role in negotiations for a legally binding global plastics treaty, highlighting the need to balance environmental sustainability with economic growth and employment. Despite existing waste-management policies, Indonesia faces persistent challenges related to inadequate infrastructure, plastic waste mismanagement, and dependence on imported raw …
This policy paper examines governance challenges in Indonesia’s public diplomacy, including fragmented coordination, ad hoc implementation, weak monitoring and evaluation, and reputational pressures amid global soft power competition. Using SWOT analysis, program review, and strategic scenario planning, it recommends establishing a Public Diplomacy Forum to strengthen stakeholder coordination…
This policy paper examines the bureaucratic and legal challenges in Indonesia’s ratification of visa exemption agreements for diplomatic and service passport holders, where lengthy procedures undermine the timeliness and credibility of diplomatic cooperation. It recommends revising Minister of Foreign Affairs Regulation No. 8 of 2024 to simplify ratification procedures and recognize such agre…
Indonesia faces growing challenges to its digital sovereignty as artificial intelligence (AI), cyber threats, and technological dependencies reshape global power dynamics. Despite regulatory gaps, limited investment, and shortages of skilled talent, Indonesia can leverage its diplomatic influence and ASEAN leadership to strengthen its digital resilience. This policy brief recommends a dual-trac…
Working Spouse Agreements (WSAs) offer Indonesia an opportunity to strengthen soft power, promote gender equality, and enhance bilateral relations by enabling diplomatic spouses to work professionally in host countries. Following Indonesia’s first WSA with Switzerland in 2024, this policy brief recommends a phased implementation strategy, supported by a dedicated WSA Task Force, reciprocal sa…
The global trading system is shifting from a rules-based order to a fragmented, power-driven landscape. Major powers, particularly the U.S., China, and the EU, are increasingly using trade, regulations, and economic leverage to secure national interests, exposing vulnerabilities in Indonesia’s trade and economic structures. This paper argues that Indonesia must rethink its foreign economic po…
The Indo-Pacific region is a contested region marked by the rise of China, the persistent influence of the United States, and the increasing economic and security interests of other regional players including Indonesia and Australia. Indonesia is considered one of Australia’s closest neighbors, however relations between the two countries are not always con…
This paper examines the impact of the October 7, 2023 attack on the prospects for a two-state solution in the Palestine–Israel conflict. The attack intensified the conflict, triggered massive Israeli military responses, and hardened positions on both sides, making peace efforts based on a two-state solution more complex. Indonesia has pursued diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to support pea…