Indonesia’s Foreign Diplomacy Under President Prabowo Subianto
It is expected that President Prabowo Subianto will follow in the diplomatic footsteps of his father, Prof. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, utilizing narrative and kinship to enhance Indonesia’s soft power.
Although primarily known as an economist, Prof. Sumitro was also a skilled diplomat. One notable example of his diplomatic prowess was his plea to the U.S. Government in 1948, which successfully halted American aid to the Netherlands for military operations in Indonesia following its independence proclamation.
At the time, Prof. Sumitro, then only 31 years old, was serving as the Acting Head of the Indonesian Delegation to the United Nations. Through his lobbying efforts in Washington and the UN, he was able to convince U.S. officials to cut off aid to the Netherlands, leading to the recognition of Indonesia’s independence.
His success in using narrative and negotiation skills, along with his international networking abilities, was instrumental in securing Indonesia’s post-independence status. This historic achievement ultimately led to his appointment as Indonesia’s Ambassador to the United States at the young age of 33.
In the era of President Prabowo Subianto, it is likely that Indonesia’s foreign diplomacy will continue to be shaped by the legacy of Prof. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, emphasizing the importance of strategic narrative and kinship in building international relations.