BRIN-HI UNBI Collaboration Projects Indonesia's Cultural Diplomacy

The UNBI International Relations Program received a visit from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) last Thursday (07/05). On this occasion, BRIN consulted with academics from the UNBI International Relations Study Program regarding the projection of Indonesia's cultural diplomacy and the crucial issues faced in the South Pacific Region. The two also agreed to conduct a joint research agenda, mainly related to the mapping of international actors in the region as well as the channels of Indonesia's cultural diplomacy among the South Pacific community.

Related to this issue, lecturers of the UNBI International Relations Study Program emphasized that although it only consists of small countries, the South Pacific region is very important as a "backyard" for Indonesia. Therefore, in line with his predecessors, the foreign policy of the Indonesian government under President Prabowo needs to pay close attention to the political dynamics and Indonesia's interests in the region. Strategic application of cultural diplomacy and strengthening people-to-people relations should be pursued to maintain Indonesia's presence and reputation in the South Pacific region.