Blog Post By: Caitlin Dobson
On a global scale and until recently, Indonesia has been known as a nation with “no enemies” and yet “no best friends.” As an emerging power and rising nation, Indonesia is continuously proving itself as a key player in economic terms as well as both global and regional influence, with public diplomacy at its core. Our group’s visit in March 2015 provided us with the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge, perspective, and insight into what we consider an important and timely case study for the field of public diplomacy.
Please stay tuned as we plan to release our group research report on MONDAY, MAY 11. Our report will cover not only our observations and findings during our visit with the following organizations below, but also recommendations on how Indonesia and also the United States government might move forward in both considering and fulfilling its public diplomacy objectives.
Monday, March 9, 2015
United States Embassy Jakarta
Ambassador Robert O. Blake Jr. welcomes the group to the United States Embassy in Jakarta with a brief overview of the U.S. government’s current mission and public diplomacy objectives within Indonesia.
Monday, March 9, 2015
@America Cultural Center
U.S. Embassy Cultural Attaché Officer Deborah Lynn and U.S. Embassy Information Officer John Johnson welcome the group to @America, the United States Government-funded, high-tech cultural center used to facilitate cultural programs, events, and exhibitions that promote American culture, located within Pacific Place Mall in Jakarta. The group explored the center and asked questions about how @America is being used in USG’s digital diplomacy efforts.
Monday, March 9, 2015
KontraS
The group prepares to meet with staff members of KontraS, a grassroots human rights NGO operating within Jakarta. The group learned firsthand how KontraS is working to accomplish its objectives, serving as both an organization monitoring government actions but also a government ally offering its expertise in and commitment to human rights issues both within Indonesia and abroad.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the group with an overview of the public diplomacy missions and objectives of the Indonesian government, including a discussion of “Bottom Up Diplomacy” and “Down to Earth Diplomacy” as being at the core of the Indonesian government’s public diplomacy efforts.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information Technology
The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information Technology welcomes the group in a discussion of Indonesia’s current digital diplomacy efforts, initiatives, and challenges.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
International Organization for Migration Jakarta
The Counter Trafficking and Labour Migration unit of the International Organization for Migration Jakarta presents to the group, illustrating the department’s myriad of ongoing projects, partnerships, and accomplishments.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs
The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs welcomes the group to a presentation and discussion of Indonesia’s current faith diplomacy efforts and promotion of Inter-Faith harmony.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Institute for Peace and Democracy at Udayana University
Founders of the Institute for Peace and Democracy at Udayana University in Bali provide a warm welcome to the group for a candid discussion on democracy promotion and learning how the organization built itself from the ground up through relationship-building and partnerships.
The group takes a small hike through Uluwatu to watch a Kecak Dance performed at sunset during their stay in Bali. The group took part in a number of cultural activities throughout their time in Jakarta, Bali, and Ubud. Following the group research experience in Indonesia, some of the members traveled on their own over Spring Break to Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. (Left to Right: Michele Johnsen, Soraya Ahyaudin, Nashwah Akhtar, Caitlin Dobson, Maria Camila Portela, Fatana Temory, Danielle Saroyan, Rebecca Heyliger)
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