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 …
This paper proposes leveraging consular services as instruments of diplomacy, beyond their traditional administrative functions such as visa issuance, passport renewal, and document legalization. In an era of globalization and high mobility, consular services protect citizens abroad, strengthen bilateral relations, and shape Indonesia’s international image. Confusion between consular and publ…
This paper proposes leveraging Indonesia’s Waste-to-Energy (WtE) ambition through strategic collaboration with Europe II partner countries. Indonesia’s waste crisis remains serious, with much of its waste unmanaged and only a small number of WtE facilities operational, undermining climate commitments and the energy transition. Partnerships with Europe II countries, leaders in WtE technology…
This paper provides strategic recommendations to enhance Indonesia's engagement with the Balkan Nine (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania and Serbia) from 2025 to 2029. The main challenge lies in transforming historically rooted yet underdeveloped ties into active, mutually beneficial partnerships. Based on a comprehensive assessment…
This paper examines the policy dilemma faced by Indonesia in determining the conditions for recognising the de facto authorities (DFA) in Afghanistan under the Taliban. Since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, Indonesia has echoed the international consensus on three conditions for recognition: an inclusive government; assurances that Afghanistan will not be used as a base for terrorism; and gua…
This paper proposes visa diplomacy as a strategic instrument of Indonesia’s soft power in foreign policy. Indonesia’s visa policy remains fragmented, security-centric, and largely transactional, while Indonesian citizens face limited global mobility compared with ASEAN peers. Strategically positioned, visa diplomacy can strengthen bilateral relations through reciprocal facilitation, promote…