The conservation of UNESCO World Heritage sites presents an important challenge for Indonesia in safeguarding its cultural and natural heritage while strengthening its participation in global heritage governance. Although Indonesia has nine inscribed World Heritage sites, several face conservation challenges, including the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, which remains on the List of Wo…
This paper proposes recognizing mental health as a strategic pillar of diplomatic effectiveness within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Diplomats face unique pressures such as frequent relocations, cultural adjustments, high-stakes negotiations, and constant digital connectivity, which can lead to isolation, burnout, and toxic work environments. The initiative emphasizes the need for stru…
Political uncertainty in Afghanistan following changes in government requires Indonesia to formulate a clear approach to bilateral relations that considers national interests, global peace, and international security. In line with its constitutional commitment to contributing to world order, Indonesia needs to assess the prospects for future engagement with Afghanistan amid evolving political c…
Economic diplomacy is a key priority of Indonesia’s foreign policy, aimed at stimulating national economic growth by expanding exports, particularly to non-traditional markets. A study conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with Indonesia Eximbank Institute identified Africa as a potential market based on indicators including economic growth, population, gross domestic …
The circular economy is a closed-loop economic approach that seeks to replace the linear take–make–dispose model through resource efficiency, waste reduction, and material reuse. It offers economic and environmental benefits while supporting the achievement of sustainable development targets. In line with Indonesia’s national policy direction, this paper proposes a strategic role for the …
Startup diplomacy can serve as an instrument for accelerating Indonesia’s digital economy and advancing its ambition to become the “Digital Energy of Asia.” Although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has supported the national startup ecosystem by facilitating startup–investor matchmaking, its approach to promoting startups in prospective international markets requires a more consi…
This paper proposes strategies for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) to support Indonesian SME product exports to non-traditional market countries, particularly in Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. Indonesian SMEs contribute 61% to GDP and comprise 99% of total businesses, yet face challenges in market access, limited technology, and product competitiveness. Using FMEA and SWOT ana…
Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7 on affordable and clean energy, is a key priority for ASEAN’s sustainable development agenda and its commitments under the Paris Agreement. This paper examines how Indonesia can accelerate SDG 7 implementation across the region through the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). Drawing on SWOT analysis, scenario planni…
This paper proposes the development of comprehensive guidelines for Indonesian diplomatic missions overseas, with the aim of strengthening economic diplomacy in the renewable energy sector. Based on focus group discussions (FGDs) in the Directorate of Europe II, 77% of Indonesian ambassadors in Europe identified a lack of information and expertise as a major barrier to attracting clean energy i…
This paper proposes modernising the mechanisms used to assess security risks for Indonesian missions abroad, making them more proactive and adaptive to evolving global threats. Such threats include terrorism, cyber incursions, geopolitical instability and natural disasters. The existing frameworks, Ministerial Regulations No. 8 of 2019 and No. 5 of 2020, are limited by their reliance on subject…