This paper proposes strategies to improve the understanding of the Papua issue among Indonesian diplomats, especially young ones. Two main themes have been identified: 'Diplomacy' (policy, strategies, tools and infrastructure) and 'Diplomats' (skills and knowledge). Using a SWOT analysis across the four categories of policy, human resources, outreach and tools, alongside explorative scenario bu…
This policy paper examines Indonesia’s strategic response to the UN Convention against Cybercrime, adopted in 2024, amid increasing cyber threats and the need for stronger international cooperation. A SWOT analysis identifies institutional fragmentation, legal gaps, and capacity constraints as key challenges, alongside opportunities to strengthen Indonesia’s digital resilience and contribut…
This paper proposes reassessing ASEAN’s 25-year moratorium on new Dialogue Partnership as a step toward a more outward-looking ASEAN. The moratorium contradicts the aspirations of ASEAN Centrality embedded in the 2019 ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which encourage new partnerships and active engagement with potential partners. To manage major pow…
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…