This paper examines the need to strengthen the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) as coordinator of foreign relations and foreign policy implementation, as set out in Law No. 37 of 1999 and Presidential Decree No. 116 of 2020. While the MoFA prioritises coordination with Indonesian representatives, ministries and agencies, and other stakeholders, there is still room for improvement …
This paper examines the potential of Digital Economy Agreements (DEA) as an instrument for Indonesia's economic diplomacy to enhance trade and collaboration in the digital economy. Indonesia's digital economy value is projected to surge by US$ 400 billion by 2030 through DEA, aligning with economic diplomacy objectives to spur economic growth, people's welfare, and national resilience. Countrie…
This paper emphasizes the urgency of defining a White Paper on Digital Diplomacy as a fundamental document to assert Indonesia's leadership in crafting a cohesive digital policy agenda. The proposed White Paper outlines strategic initiatives, including enhancing digital literacy among the diplomatic corps and leveraging technology to forecast trends that will shape the future of international r…
This paper examines the optimization of Indonesia's representatives' role in the ASEAN Committee in Third Countries and International Organizations (ACTCs) as a strategy to strengthen Indonesia's leadership and influence within ASEAN following its 2023 chairmanship. As a founding member, Indonesia leverages ASEAN to enhance political-security, economic, and socio-cultural cooperation, fostering…
This paper examines efforts by Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote gender mainstreaming in alignment with national and international commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on gender equality. Although Indonesia ranks 87th out of 146 countries in the 2023 Global Gender Gap Index, the government has undertaken various legislative and policy measures to achi…
This paper examines the protection of Indonesian female migrant workers and their children born out of wedlock due to unofficial (siri) marriages with Malaysian citizens. These children are considered born out of wedlock as Malaysian law does not recognize siri marriages, and the Federal Constitution prohibits Malaysian men from passing nationality to children born out of wedlock, rendering the…
This paper examines the current state and future direction of diplomat-interpreters (D-Is) within Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Following the enactment of Law No. 24/2009 mandating the use of Bahasa Indonesia by the President in high-level international meetings held in Indonesia, the Ministry established an English-Bahasa Indonesia diplomat-interpreter team in 2011, deployed across …
This policy brief proposes repositioning Indonesia's economic diplomacy as a system-enabling instrument to respond to emerging global sustainability trade measures, including tightening environmental standards and supply-chain requirements. The commodity sector faces a growing misalignment between domestic production systems and global market demands, risking competitiveness erosion and margina…
This paper proposes outbound food investment—acquiring equity stakes in overseas agricultural production and supply-chain infrastructure—as an essential complement to Indonesia's domestic food security strategies. Current import dependencies of 100% in wheat, 90% in soybeans, 80% in dairy, and 40% in beef leave the country acutely exposed to geopolitical supply disruptions that food estates…
Good citizenship can serve as a foundation for strengthening soft power by promoting civic engagement, critical thinking, global awareness, and responsible behavior. Integrating these values into public diplomacy can expand engagement with diaspora communities, descendants abroad, Indonesianists, and students. A Public Lecture Package provides a practical and cost-effective mechanism for embedd…