I have discussed this issue with many foreign diplomats residing in Jakarta, mostly cultural attaches. Of course it is the best way to introduce their cultures, arts and artists. And cultural diplomacy is, as we know, perhaps the most effective way to build a strong understanding and solidarity among the peoples of various countries.

Every year, about 120 students in the National University of Singapore (NUS) are busy preparing for the biggest student production in campus: NUANSA Cultural Productions. It is an annual show which was started as a humble initiative in 2008 by a group of Indonesian students in NUS, aiming to showcase the diverse and rich Indonesian culture to the Singaporean community. 

MIKTA – an association consisting of Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Turkey, and Australia – is still a relatively new platform, having been formed in 2013, but it may now be confronted with its first real opportunity to have an impact on the global stage. 

Global trends will bring to the fore cities and city governments as the new actors in international relations and diplomacy. Those trends are: the increasing urgency of urban development and the globalization of cities.

The "Wonderful Indonesia" brand that the country has been promoting has been ranked the 47th best in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Without the support of Muhammadiyah leaders, it would not have been possible for the Indonesian government to achieve such public diplomacy objectives. It was Muhammadiyah leaders, together with other moderate Muslim leaders in other organizations such Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) who played an instrumental role in presenting the moderate face of Indonesian Islam in the international arena.