In 2020, Indonesia introduced a digital services tax (DST) to increase state revenue by taxing multinational digital companies operating in Indonesia. However, the policy faced challenges from the United States, including potential retaliatory tariffs that could affect bilateral trade. This paper argues that the DST should be addressed through economic diplomacy, considering its broader implica…
As the implementation of its commitment in Paris Agreement, Indonesia has targeted new and renewable energy (NRE) share up to 23% in the energy mix by 2025 and up to 31% by 2050. To achieve this target, Indonesia has planned to develop NRE sourced electricity by building more NRE power plants. According to Electricity Supply Business Plan (Rencana Usaha Penyediaan Tenaga Listrik/RUPTL), it …
The transportation sector is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, making electric vehicles (EVs) a potential solution to reduce pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. As global demand for EVs increases, Indonesia has a strategic advantage due to its abundant nickel resources, which are essential for battery production. This paper examines the potential of Indonesia’s EV industry and…
Indonesia’s economic diplomacy strategy emphasizes strengthening trade, investment, and tourism through its diplomatic missions abroad. However, many Indonesian diplomats lack specialized economic expertise and adequate resources to support these activities effectively. This paper identifies key challenges faced by economic officers, including knowledge and competency gaps, insufficient guide…
The growing global demand for vegetable oils, particularly palm oil, soybeans, rapeseed, and sunflower oil, presents challenges in balancing production with environmental sustainability. This paper examines the European Union’s policies on palm oil biofuels and highlights inconsistencies in its treatment of different vegetable oils. It argues that palm oil can contribute to achieving several …
The 2021 Myanmar coup has exposed ASEAN’s limitations in responding effectively to regional crises, particularly due to its consensus-based decision-making process and the slow implementation of the Five-Point Consensus. This paper examines ASEAN’s decision-making framework under the ASEAN Charter and evaluates its effectiveness in addressing the Myanmar crisis. It argues that ASEAN needs t…
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of effective governance and human capital development in strengthening public services. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia (Kemlu) has introduced various training and knowledge-sharing initiatives, but these remain sporadic and unorganized. This paper proposes an integrated e-learning and repository system to support Kemlu’s human res…
Economic diplomacy is a key priority for Indonesia, and the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow has organized the annual Festival Indonesia Moscow to promote trade, tourism, and investment between Indonesia and Russia. Although the festival has increased interest in Indonesian products and attracted Russian tourists, its economic impact remains limited due to insufficient participation from small and …
Changes in the diplomatic work environment and frequent overseas assignments create various challenges for Indonesian foreign service officers and their families, including career difficulties for spouses, children's adaptation, social isolation, loss of identity, and financial instability. These challenges may affect employee productivity, retention, and recruitment within the Ministry of Fore…
Presidential Regulation No. 116 of 2020 reinforces Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) as the coordinator of the government’s foreign policy and international relations. To address fragmented sectoral activities and ensure continuity in managing foreign policy issues, MOFA needs to strengthen its internal coordination and diplomatic expertise. This paper proposes establishing spe…