Children of Indonesian migrant workers in Sabah face significant barriers to legal documentation, access to education, and protection from exploitation. These challenges present both a humanitarian concern and a diplomatic priority for Indonesia. This policy brief proposes a comprehensive approach to safeguarding their educational rights through strengthened bilateral diplomacy with Malaysia, g…
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 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…
In the midst of the growing food, energy and climate crises, the issue of water is becoming more strategic. Water not only touches upon people’s daily lives, but also intersects many interests in foreign policy. With its immense capabilities to do more, Indonesia should elevate the issue of water in its foreign policy, in which Kemlu plays a central role by unleashing water diplomacy. This mu…
Indonesia’s adoption of the Free and Active foreign policy doctrine in 1948 entails the need to maintain strategic autonomy, especially within the development of its defence capabilities. The US and its allies' military embargo during the 1990s period is an expensive lesson learned for Indonesia in its efforts to maintain independency. In this regard, this paper suggested that to maintain ind…
Being a diplomat in the 21st century takes more than just suits and gowns. It is also making you wear boots, a traditional dress, tactical trousers, and even a helmet. The realm of a diplomat’s task is expanding, yet the space is shrinking. The work tide is moving faster than the time itself and sometimes it feels like they are burning a candle on both ends. To address this challenging rea…
With respect to the rights of a person to move and migrate, the Indonesian government has never restricted its citizens from settling in other countries. The currents of globalization and technological developments have contributed to the migration of Indonesian citizens with new patterns, increasingly varied goals, and toward previously unimaginable places. The existence of Indonesian citiz…
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…
This paper examines the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indonesian Representatives Offices, and Diplomatic and Consular Officers in providing citizen service and protection for Indonesian citizens abroad, with a focus on optimizing the Portal Peduli WNI. Aligned with Indonesia's refocused diplomatic priorities stated in the 2021 Annual Press Statement of the Minister for Foreign Affair…
This paper examines protection gaps faced by Indonesian Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) in Japan under the individual sending scheme, despite the bilateral cooperation established in 2019 and a significant increase to 69,537 workers as of June 2025. Analysis using systems thinking and design thinking identifies key weaknesses: lack of worker awareness regarding mortality and health insurance, l…