Intermestic: Journal of International Studies
Intermestic: Journal of International Studies (INTERMESTIC) is a peer-reviewed bi-annual academic journal. It is dedicated to facilitating the exchange of ideas and research on themes that focus on various issues within the international-domestic spectrum or global-local relations by diverse actors, which includes but is not limited to transnational movements, intercultural exchanges, domestic-foreign policy relations, practices of diplomacy, global-local governance as well as global-local political economy, and contemporary security issues. INTERMESTIC accepts original manuscripts in Bahasa or English with the following types: Scholarly Article, Book Review, and Review Article. The Journal is published twice a year, in May and November, and published by Universitas Padjadjaran in collaboration with the Indonesian International Relations Science Association (AIHII). INTERMESTIC has been accredited third grade (SINTA 3) by the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education of Indonesia (RISTEKDIKTI). INTERMESTIC has been assigned with Digital Object Identifier (DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24198/intermestic) from Crossref and indexed in Science and Technology Index (SINTA) 3. INTERMESTIC is registered with the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI): ISSN: 2503-443X (Online), URL: https://intermestic.unpad.ac.id/index.php/intermestic/index
Departemen Hubungan Internasional, Fakultas Ilmu Sosial dan Ilmu Politik, Universitas Padjadjaran
The authors submitting a manuscript do so on the understanding that if accepted for publication copyright of the article shall be assigned to Intermestic: Journal of International Studies, International Relations Department, Padjadjaran University as the publisher of the journal.
Hibridisasi Heavy Metal dan Islam: Tranformasi Band Metal Sebagai Lahirnya Metal Islam di Indonesia
This paper aims to analyze the hybridition of heavy metal and Islam through Islamic metal in Jakarta, Bandung and several other places in Indonesia, which have changed the metal scene in Indonesia. This paper uses a descriptive discussion with qualitative methods and concepts of hybridization and cosmopolitanism. The results of this study indicate, Islamic metal occurs, because of the low conflict between government, Islam and metal. The presence of Islamic metal in the metal scene changes community patterns, habits and identity in metal, by applying values based on Islam. The existence of Islamic metal as a new sub-genre incites the pros and cons of Islam and the metal scene, because it considers the phenomenon of exclusivity in inclusiveness in metal.
Copyright (c) 2020 Intermestic: Journal of International Studies https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Does the Single Draft of COC in the South China Sea Matters?
This paper attempts to elaborate on the impact of the Single Draft of CoC in resolving the South China Sea (SCS) dispute. This paper uses the concept of International Dispute Settlement Procedures (IDSPs), where the parties try to resolve problems based on international law. This paper argues that countries in the region have been trying to have CoC mechanisms since the 1990s. Although in 2018, the ASEAN countries and China agreed on a Single Draft of CoC in the SCS, however the settlement of the SCS dispute is far from over. The CoC Single Draft is only a collection of ASEAN and China proposals. The Single Draft weaknesses in terms of legal status are they do not clearly state the obligations of each country to add or withdraw their respective proposals.
Ebola Virus in West Africa as National Security Threat to the United States of America
This study sought to explain the reasons the United States (US) makes the Ebola virus became pandemic in West Africa as a priority of US national security. This research is shows that the US lowered its troops to 3,000 troops to Liberia. In addition, countries in the West African region in particular Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia as countries affected by the Ebola geopolitically located in the Sahel region highly vulnerable to conflict likely to be used by terrorist groups. Through linkages framework of national security and foreign policy, this study will explain the reasons behind the US decision in making the Ebola virus as a national security priority. By using literature and data analysis, this research concluded that the US has Ebola as a national security priority for the United States wants to prevent the use of Ebola virus for bioterrorism events. This is confirmed by the adoption of the US strategy of selective engagement through the use of the countries in West Africa as an instrument for anticipating such bioterrorism.
Nigeria-China Bilateral Trade Relations: Is There Market Opportunities in China?
This study used normalized revealed sectoral comparative advantage, import demand share, growth identification and facilitation framework to identify market opportunities for Nigeria in the Chinese markets over the period 1988-2017. Our findings revealed that Nigeria has a steady and long-term comparative advantage in few commodities and there is limited scope for Nigeria to improve on its balance of trade due to limited export potentials. Furthermore, sixteen market opportunities were identified, out of which fourteen are stable and growing markets. Our findings also revealed that these market opportunities can't all be meet by Nigeria, as these commodities were not exportable due to poor competitive position and highly capital-intensive nature of the commodities. These findings are not only relevant to academics but also for policy making.
This study analyzes Tuvalu’s foreign policy as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) facing the existential threat of the climate crisis. Using Constructivism, Small State Theory, and Climate Diplomacy, this qualitative case study examines COP26–COP29 (2021–2024) documents to explore how Tuvalu transforms its “most vulnerable state” identity into normative bargaining power. The findings show that Tuvalu leverages moral pressure, symbolic acts, identity framing, and the AOSIS network to (1) secure the 1.5°C target in the Paris Agreement, (2) advocate for the Loss and Damage Fund, and (3) push for a US$300 billion annual increase in global climate finance through the New Collective Quantified Goal. Tuvalu’s strategy illustrates how small states, despite limited resources, can shape global norms and policy outcomes. This study contributes to international relations scholarship by highlighting the role of identity, norms, and moral authority in contemporary climate diplomacy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Intermestic: Journal of International Studies https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
UNPACKING INDONESIA’S MOTIVES THE IUAE-CEPA THROUGH THE LENS OF CROSS-REGIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS
This study examines Indonesia’s motives in establishing a cross-regional economic partnership with the United Arab Emirates through the IUAE-CEPA. Departing from Indonesia’s typical trade strategy focused on large or geographically proximate economies, this agreement reflects a shift in economic diplomacy. Applying cross-regional trade agreement partner selection theory and a qualitative document analysis method, the research reveals that Indonesia’s motivations extend beyond economic interests to include political and diplomatic strategy. The findings contribute to understanding how emerging economies leverage trade agreements for geopolitical positioning and regional economic integration.
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
This study examines Finland’s decision to join NATO in 2022 through the lens of Neoclassical Realism, analyzing the interplay between systemic threats and domestic political factors. Employing qualitative methods, including literature review and expert interviews, the research investigates how shifts in regional power dynamics, fueled by NATO’s eastward expansion and Russia’s military actions, created systemic pressures. Concurrently, domestic media framing, public opinion, and elite debates mediated these external influences, shaping Finland’s foreign policy response. Findings reveal that the convergence of systemic security threats and domestic political dynamics prompted a strategic pivot, illustrating the significance of domestic actors and perceptions in small state foreign policy under conditions of systemic threat. This research advances understanding of alliance formation by integrating systemic and domestic-level analyses, contributing valuable insights into regional security and NATO’s evolving role in Europe.
EAST KALIMANTAN PROVINCE'S PARADIPLOMACY IN HANDLING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT OF DERAWAN ISLAND
Paradiplomacy, the international activities of sub-national governments, has become increasingly relevant in environmental governance and sustainable tourism, particularly within decentralized political systems. Indonesia's regional autonomy has enabled provinces such as East Kalimantan to build cross-border partnerships, environmental cooperation frameworks, and tourism promotion networks that transcend national diplomatic channels. Derawan Island, one of Indonesia's most renowned marine tourism destinations, is facing increasing pressures from mass tourism, coral degradation, inadequate waste management, and socio-economic transformation. This article examines how East Kalimantan Province employs paradiplomacy as a strategy to promote sustainable tourism development on Derawan Island. Drawing on a qualitative analysis of regional policies, provincial cooperation initiatives, institutional arrangements, and global environmental partnerships, this paper argues that paradiplomacy has emerged as a tool for capacity building, green tourism innovation, and adaptive environmental governance. Yet, structural challenges, including fragmented authorities, limited local capacity, asymmetrical relations with foreign partners, and weak ecological enforcement, continue to undermine progress. This research contributes to the discourse on subnational diplomacy in maritime Southeast Asia and provides recommendations for enhancing East Kalimantan's international engagement to support sustainable island tourism.
The free movement in the Schengen Area was gradually eroded by the reintroduction of Internal Border Controls (IBC), a trend currently being pursued not only by destination countries but also by transit countries such as the Czech Republic. Current literature largely employs securitization analysis with underlying existential threats, yet this approach fails to capture the logic underlying transit countries' policies. This paper aims to deconstruct the Czech Republic's IBC policy for 2020-2024, arguing that it is driven by a preventive logic of riskification. Through qualitative discourse analysis of government documents and secondary data, the study uncovers three aspects of riskification. First, the grammar justifies policies based on potential risks such as pandemics and the domino effect of migration pressure. Second, the locus of policy management of referential objects is not only migrants but also “what they carry” as evidenced by joint forces and random checks. Third, the performative effects of these policies create a new long-term border governance through intensive cooperation and joint patrols with neighbouring countries. This study demonstrates how risk management logic consistently erodes core principles of European integration, sacrificing for security measures to manage borders against future potential risks.
INCLUSIVENESS OF ACTORS IN THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS) AGENDA
This article discusses the role of the West Java Provincial Government in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as a form of inclusiveness of actors within the framework promoted by this agenda. The issue raised in this study is how subnational actors, particularly provincial governments, can contribute to bridging global interests with local needs, as well as how their institutional capacity influences this process. To answer this question, the study uses a global governance framework to analyse the dynamics of subnational actors' involvement in SDG implementation, examining it through a governance activity matrix. Methodologically, this study employs a qualitative approach with descriptive analysis, drawing on literature studies and reviews of policy documents related to the implementation of the SDGs in West Java. The findings show that through the global governance perspective, subnational actors possess the capacity to actively participate and make significant contributions to achieving the SDGs through policy integration that reflects both global and national sustainability interests, while also being relevant to the local context. However, the dispersed nature of the relationship between levels has created several gaps, particularly in certain SDG goals, reflecting the complexity of coordination and the challenges in implementation.
DRIVERS BEHIND JAPAN’S DEFENSE BUDGET SURGE(2013-2023)
Japan since 2013 has increased its defense budget significantly and consistently annually. Recently in 2022 a decision was approved to increase the defense budget to the target of 2% of its GDP in 2027. Empirically from 2013 it amounted to ¥4.6 trillion which increased slowly until 2022 with the target starting to increase significantly to ¥8.7 trillion in 2025. The move was motivated by the perceived threat of China, North Korea, and Russia surpassing Japan's defense. This study analyzes the significant and consistent increase in defense budget from 2013 to 2023. The data was analyzed using the determinants that influence the allocation of the national defense budget by Triantama and Abdul (2023) with qualitative research methods. The results show that there is a high threat perception, strong military ambition, and civilian support that encourages Japan to continue to increase its defense budget until it reaches the target in 2027.
AUSTRALIA’S HEDGING STRATEGY IN THE UNITED STATES-CHINA RIVALRY IN THE INDO-PACIFIC REGION 2018-2022
Indo-Pacific region has been an important region for Australia, Australia has made Indo-Pacific as a main region for implementing its foreign policy. Indo-Pacific region is known as high politic economic region with the influential countries, this become both a strength and a weakness for Australia. Though Australia get advantages to join important cooperation, US-China rivalry conflict requires a bad impact for Australia. Political conflict makes the stability of Indo-Pacific region begins to fall, so Australia trying to control its national security. Australia must choose an impartial policy between the US-China, though Australia has diplomatic relations with both. This research uses descriptive qualitative research, with Hedging Theory and Balance of Power (BOP) Theory. The results of this study elucidated the hedging strategy implemented by Australia in response to the rivalry conflict between the United States andChina in the Indo-Pacific region during 2018–2022, which posed threats to both Australia's security and regional stability.
Strategi, Hedging, Australia, Kawasan Indo-Pasifik, 2018-2022.
STRATEGI HEDGING AUSTRALIA DALAM RIVALITAS AMERIKA SERIKAT-TIONGKOK DI KAWASAN INDO-PASIFIK 2018-2022
Copyright (c) 2025 Intermestic: Journal of International Studies
Yogyakarta's Parallel Diplomacy to Victoria, Australia in the Preservation and Development of Regional Cultural Heritage
The purpose of this research is to analyze the parallel diplomacy activities by DIY towards Victoria, Australia in the preservation and development of local cultural heritage. Local cultural heritage plays an important role in strengthening the identity of a region and can be used as an opportunity for cooperation. DIY, which is known as the center of Javanese culture, is aware of this potential and strives to preserve and develop cultural heritage by utilizing international networks, namely parallel diplomacy. The concept of parallel diplomacy used in this research makes the foreign actions taken by DIY legitimate in the national and international law. The approach used in this research is qualitative with interview techniques and document studies. The findings obtained from this research show that DIY's parallel diplomacy does not only introduce local culture to global parties, but also strengthens relationships between actors and produces concrete cooperation in the context of preserving and developing local cultural heritage.
Cultural Heritage, Parallel Diplomacy, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Victoria.
A Sustainable City: A Parallel Diplomacy Study of Bandung towards Kawasaki in Handling Carbons Emissions
Global climate change has increased the earth's temperature and carbon emissions, including in Bandung City, which now has moderate air quality. In response, Bandung City Government seeks to reduce carbon emissions through various steps, including parallel diplomacy with international parties such as Kawasaki City. This research uses the concept of parallel diplomacy and approaches qualitative methods through descriptive analysis methods. The results show that carbon emissions in Bandung City have been relatively high in the last five years. Handling efforts are carried out by involving foreign cooperation, especially with Kawasaki City, which has been established for a long time through various environmental programs, including carbon emission reduction. However, in its implementation, Bandung City's parallel diplomacy still refers to Indonesian law. In conclusion, Bandung-Kawasaki's parallel diplomacy runs quite well when many actors are involved. However, there are challenges due to differences in the two cities' structure and stages of diplomatic governance.
Bandung City, Carbon Emissions, Kawasaki City, Parallel Diplomacy
Analysis of Security Projections in the Reconciliation of Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia
With ideological battles, defense rivalries, and the rise of proxies in regional countries, Saudi Arabia and Iran represent the pinnacle of rivalry in the Middle East region. Both countries have had a history of volatile conflict escalation over the past few decades, culminating in Iran's severance of diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia in 2016. After many years, they finally agreed to reconciliation and improvement of diplomatic relations, particularly in the field of security. China has played an important role as a broker in this reconciliation process. This has shifted the role of security policy, which has long been dominated by the United States. This paper aims to analyze how the Saudi Iranian rapprochement affects the stability of the Middle East Security Complex. We use the Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT) of Barry Buzan and Ole Wæver to analyze and project the dynamics of the relationship between these two countries on the security of the Middle East region. The research methodology uses an exploratory qualitative approach to broaden the scope of the analysis of the security implications of the Middle East, after the improvement of the relationship between these two countries.
China, Iran, Reconciliation, RSCT, Saudi Arabia
Strengthening South-South Cooperation: Indonesia’s Grant to Afghanistan in 2022
This research aims to analyze the implementation of Indonesia's grant program for Afghanistan in 2022 as a manifestation of strengthening South-South cooperation. By exploring using the constructivism approach in international relations related to the identity and interests of the two countries, it forms a pattern of bilateral cooperation. The research used qualitative method with data collection techniques through journals and reports on strengthening South-South cooperation through grant programs. The results showed that the grant program was allocated into three priority sectors: Handling the Food Crisis, Capacity Building Training in Maternal and Child Health, and Educational Support Assistance for Afghan Postgraduate Students. The program successfully trained and improved the academic skills of Afghans, increased agricultural productivity in targeted areas and access to basic health services. While this cooperation has faced challenges, Indonesia's adaptive approach through cooperation with local organizations and the use of information technology for remote monitoring has proven effective. This study concludes that the success of the grant program not only strengthens bilateral relations but also shows the strengthening of state-identity solidarity in the south-south region, which emphasizes equality, care, and the encouragement of identity among Muslim-developing countries.
The Role of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) in Renewable Projects in Indonesia
This article discusses the role of MNCs in the application of renewable energy in Indonesia. The pressing issue with renewable energy in Indonesia is the critical need for more funding to realize renewable energy programs to achieve SDG targets. Many MNCs invest in the renewable energy sector in Indonesia, such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and others. The SDGs concept is used in this research by looking at the application aspect, its effect on the economy, and MNC involvement in renewable energy in Indonesia. This research aims to accelerate the application of renewable energy in Indonesia by supporting all stakeholders in focusing on the application of renewable energy for shared economic growth.
Indonesia's Diplomacy Towards Japan Through The Cultural Instrument Of Tunun Gringsing Bali
Tunun Gringsing, a traditional Balinese cloth made with the rare double ikat technique, is found in only three countries: Indonesia, Japan, and India. In Japan, it is known as Kurume Kasuri, originating from Fukuoka. This cultural connection between Indonesia and Japan was highlighted at the 2022 Diversity Festival, where both fabrics were exhibited together, emphasizing their role in strengthening bilateral relations. This research aims to describe Indonesia's diplomatic efforts towards Japan using the Tunun Gringsing Bali instrument. This research explores Indonesia's use of Tunun Gringsing as a tool for cultural diplomacy towards Japan, focusing on the actors, activities, and objectives involved. Using qualitative methods, data were collected through interviews and literature reviews. The use of Tunun Gringsing as an instrument of cultural diplomacy is also part of Indonesia's public diplomacy.
culture; diplomacy; Indonesia; Japan; public diplomacy; Tunun Gringsing
Optimizing the Indonesian Counter-Terrorism Strategy through the Center for Terrorism Analysis and Crisis Control
Penurunan serangan teroris dan melemahnya jaringan teroris internasional selama lima tahun terakhir belum seluruhnya menghilangkan ancaman terorisme di Indonesia. Potensi ancaman tetap tinggi karena faktor-faktor seperti penggunaan teknologi untuk rekrutmen dan radikalisasi secara online, keterlibatan perempuan dan remaja, serta kerentanan situasi politik domestik. Untuk menjawab masalah ini, penelitian dengan metodologi kualitatif dilakukan untuk mengkaji strategi Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Terorisme (BNPT). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menilai BNPT dalam memenuhi perannya sebagai Pusat Analisis dan Pengendalian Krisis Terorisme (Pusdalsis) sebagaimana diamanatkan oleh Undang-Undang No. 5 Tahun 2018. Kesimpulan diambil dari data yang diperoleh melalui diskusi kelompok terpumpun dengan para pembuat kebijakan, tinjauan pustaka, serta analisis kebijakan kontraterorisme dari Indonesia dan negara lain sebagai referensi. Temuan tersebut menunjukkan bahwa fungsi BNPT sebagai pusat analisis dan pengendalian krisis terorisme perlu dioptimalkan melalui adanya regulasi untuk memperkuat perannya dan mendorong komunikasi dan koordinasi yang efektif antara BNPT dengan pemangku kepentingan terkait.
Gastronomy in Mustikarasa: Exploring Soft-Power Resource in Sukarno’s Gastrodiplomacy
National cookbook Mustikarasa composed by president Sukarno shows the importance of Indonesian gastronomy in the practice of his gastrodiplomacy. This study aims to examine gastronomic assets documented in Mustikarasa, exploring Sukarno’s gastrodiplomacy maneuver that led to the making of the cookbook. To that end, this study uses Joseph Nye’s soft power theory and employs a qualitative method, which combines a systematic literature review with expert interviews. This method allows this study to find that Sukarno composed Mustikarasa because he perceived Indonesian gastronomy as soft-power resource. He deemed gastronomy to become soft-power resource because it contains cultural, historical, and philosophical values, which he sought to use to build the image and position of the nation on the international stage. For the president, those values were important because they were part of Indonesian identity that he liked to introduced and promote globally through gastrodiplomacy post-independence. This study contributes to enriching existing literature on Mustikarasa as this cookbook witnessed Indonesia’s first gastrodiplomacy maneuver in the implementation of Indonesian foreign policy
The Economic and Social Aspects of Bengkalis, Indonesia-Malaysia Mobility for ASEAN Economic Connectivity
Prosperity becomes the goal for society in the world. Scholars have their own approaches and measures to achieve it. One of ASEAN goal is to create a stable, prosperous and highly competitive economic region. Regional economic integration can be accomplished with maritime connectivity due to geographic location, particularly between Bengkalis, Indonesia with Malaysia (Muar, Malaka, Kuala Lumpur). Bandar Sri Setia Raja could reduce transport cost, provide more efficient service and increased opportunities from tourism. Port connectivity will affect social and economic lives of Bengkalis residents. The research elaborated how significant role of Bandar Sri Setia Raja seaport for resident mobilization for social and economic activities, the challenges, and prospects. This research was mixed of quantitative and qualitative methodology of 15 male travellers to Malaysia, 5 female tourers, and 10 male and female local residents’ tourists to Malaysia for leisure and healing. Secondary data from Indonesian official report, statistics, and news were utilized to describe economic gain. In-depth interviews tried to collect detailed data of migrant voices about their experiences, challenges, and hopes. The study showed Sri Setia Raja port could afford ASEAN economic community as well as social benefit. Bengkalis residents were able to save money, time and energy to visit Malaysia for working, healing, and doing micro business. Bengkalis Island locates quite far from Pekanbaru’s international airport or Dumai’s international port so Sri Setia Raja is the best option to go overseas.
ASEAN Economic Connectivity, Bandar Sri Setia Raja, Bengkalis, economic and social aspects, mobility
BORDER TRADE EFFECT ON INDONESIA’S EXPORT
Grounded in Adam Smith’s theory of trade favoring high-GDP and proximate partners, we analyze determinants including GDP, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Logistics Performance Index (LPI), language, shared borders, and distance across Indonesia’s top 30 export partners (2019–2023). Unlike prior studies, we integrate LPI and border effects into a gravity model, addressing endogeneity with Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (PPML) estimation alongside OLS, FEM, and REM. Results indicate that LPI is the most significant driver, while distance has a negative impact on trade, confirming the advantage of proximity. Contrary to expectations, FTAs showed limited significance, suggesting non-tariff barriers may dominate. Policy implications highlight the importance of investments in port modernization and customs digitization to capitalize on trade with high-GDP neighbors, alongside strategic agreements with distant, high-growth markets.
ABRAHAM ACCORDS: NORMALIZATION AGREEMENTS BETWEEN ARAB COUNTRIES AND ISRAEL
The Abraham Accords are the most important agreement in the Middle East between Israel and Arab countries, such as Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Sudan. The Abraham Accord has opened the gates of bilateral relations between Arab countries and Israel and has also changed the geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. Until now, many previous studies have viewed the Abraham Accord as a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing influence and countering the opposing power in the Middle East. As a result, this study presents a new perspective to examine another side of the Abraham Accord, namely its economic cooperation. This research uses a qualitative method to analyze comprehensively about the economic cooperation. The Abraham Accord is a potential platform to meet economic interests between countries. Economic interests are the main drivers in the ratification of the treaty. Strategic economic interests between countries are based on the same economic orientation that has the potential to open the door to other forms of intensive economic cooperation. Economic cooperation between Arab countries and Israel is focused on the economic diversification agenda that has an impact on economic growth and development between these countries. Theoretically, this research has implications for the existence of new approaches and perspectives in studying the Abraham Accord. As for practically, this research can be a reference in formulating policies related to the Middle East.
Navigating the Continuity of Indonesia-China Relations in the Mining and Energy Sectors After the 2024 Election
This research aims to analyze the potential for continuity of Indonesia-China relations in the mining and energy sectors after the 2024 elections. By using the concepts of foreign policy in developing countries and change and continuity, the author argues that the results of the 2024 elections are unlikely to change Indonesia-China relations. Mining and energy cooperation between the two countries has provided great benefits for Indonesia. Currently, China is still Indonesia's largest coal-fired power plant (CFPP) investor, with a total supply of 12,949 MW and 1,800 MW that are still under construction. Furthermore, China's downstream policy has bolstered Indonesia's domestic production capabilities, enabling it to produce semi-finished mineral products like briquettes, coke, semi-coke, upgraded coal, ferronickel, nickel pig iron, and nickel matter at elevated prices. The construction of smelters and large-scale industrial areas has also made Indonesia an important player in the global production chain, controlling 48.48% of the world's total nickel production. We also need to keep in mind that Indonesia is still a developing country, which is undeniably influential in the process of determining foreign policy strategies and goals. As a developing country, economic growth through investment policies will still be the government's main priority. Therefore, the transition of power from President Jokowi to the next government will likely only form a pattern of intensification; that is, it will not change Indonesia-China foreign policy in the mining and energy sectors. This step will be followed by strengthening goals, defining scope, and defining policy strategies to maximize cooperation in an effort to strengthen the position of the two countries in the global mineral and energy supply chain.
Copyright (c) 2024 Intermestic: Journal of International Studies
How Non-Muslim Country Expand Its Halal Food to Muslim Country: The Study of South Korea in Indonesia During COVID-19
Tulisan ini mencoba membahas bagaimana Korea Selatan menggunakan pendekatannya untuk memajukan kepentingan nasional, khususnya dalam meningkatkan ekonominya melalui industri makanan halal, dengan menggunakan metodologi kualitatif dan studi pustaka berbasis dokumen. Penulis mendasarkan penelitian ini pada teori gastrodiplomasi dan konsep industri Halal. Temuan penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa ketika wabah Covid-19 melanda, Korea Selatan melakukan beberapa upaya untuk melindungi kepentingan nasionalnya dengan meningkatkan pengiriman produk Halal ke Indonesia. Bahwa produk Halal menimbulkan tantangan bagi hubungan diplomatik kedua negara. Salah satu langkah Korea Selatan dalam menghadapi hal ini adalah mempromosikan makanan halal di Indonesia melalui kerja sama dengan penyedia sertifikasi Halal dan K-Food Fair, telah diadakan sebelum wabah Covid-19. Kesimpulan ini signifikan karena, diplomasi memungkinkan Indonesia dan Korea Selatan untuk memperluas ekonomi mereka sambil menjaga hubungan yang positif.
Digital Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Instagram Account @KEMLU_RI Indonesia's G20 Presidency in 2022
This paper aims to evaluate the implementation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' digital public diplomacy through social media, Instagram. Given the many uploads that have been made by the @kemlu_ri account, this research will focus on the content of Indonesia's presidency of the G20 in 2022. The G20 presidency was chosen given its status as a national agenda that has international attention, both from the institutional aspect and the post-pandemic situation. The theories/concepts used in this research are digital public diplomacy and social media. The method used is qualitative by making @kemlu_ri content uploads as a primary data source plus interviews with the Directorate of Information and Media, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as a form of data verification. From the evaluation conducted, the author argues that the use of social media Instagram as a means of digital public diplomacy related to Indonesia's presidency in the G20 in 2022 is not optimal. The argumentation given in this paper refers to the three dimensions of social media in digital public diplomacy, namely: (i) agenda-setting; (ii) presence expansion; and (iii) conversation-generating.
Diplomasi Komersial Indonesia dalam Promosi Investasi Industri EV Tahun 2019 – 2022
In solving challenges related to the development of the EV industry, one of the steps taken by Indonesia is to build cooperation and practice commercial diplomacy with various parties, including multinational automotive business actors. This study aims to understand the differences in the pattern of commercial diplomacy between Indonesia and its partner countries, namely South Korea, China, and Japan, also its relation to the strategy and influence of the target object of investment promotion in the EV industry from 2019 to 2022. Data were analyzed using the verification and triangulation method based on the concept of commercial diplomacy by Potter (2004), and investment promotion strategies according to Wells and Wint (2000). The results of the study show that there are differences in the pattern of the stages of commercial diplomacy, the investment promotion approach, and characteristics of investors in the context of Indonesia for each of the countries studied.
Penyelundupan dan Perdagangan Barang Ilegal di Wilayah Perbatasan Indonesia-Filipina
Smuggling and trade of illegal goods in the Indonesia-Philippines border continues to this day. This study aimed to discern the routes and methods used for those illegal activities and identify the types of goods smuggled and traded from the Philippines to Indonesia from a transnational organized crime perspective. This study used a descriptive qualitative method. Data were obtained using the following techniques: in-depth interviews, observations, literary studies, and comparison of field findings with theoretical frameworks. The results suggested three main routes for smuggling and illegal trading. The operation is carried out disguised as fishermen bartering fishery products using small, modified boats such as pump boats, supported by information from existing smuggling networks on the land. The smuggled goods are identified as fighting roosters, vitamins and medications for roosters, ethyl alcohol-containing beverages/MMEA, cosmetics, plywood, and firearms.
illegal trade; Indonesian border; smuggling; transnational crime
An Idiosyncratic Approach in the Indonesia-Japan Collaboration to Advance Renewable Energy and Public Transportation in Semarang
This study explores the impact of a leader's characteristics, particularly idiosyncratic personality traits. A prominent case study involves Mayor Hendrar Prihadi of Semarang, Indonesia, whose unique and powerful influence has significantly shaped the success of cooperation between Indonesia and Japan in the city. This study uses qualitative descriptive research. This paper relies on primary data sources, in the form of interviews with key informants and secondary data, in the form of documentation studies from relevant sources. The study reveals that city diplomacy, as observed in Semarang, is strongly associated with the Mayor's personality, level of sensitivity in responding to global issues, the influence of Javanese cultural and religious values, personal and organizational principles, and motives aimed at providing benefits to the city, particularly in the effort to create a zero-carbon urban environment. These findings underscore the link between a leader's characteristics and the decision-making process in the realm of city diplomacy, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of personality elements that guide policy choices.