Public diplomacy is a key pillar of a country’s foreign policy toolkit. (...) Indonesian leaders have tended to focus their attention on other foreign political elites through foreign policy initiatives like the Bali Democracy Forum and interfaith dialogues rather than promote cultural diplomacy.

Iriana Widodo is our latest First Lady and since last Monday she began her new era as the Ibu Negara of the world’s third largest democracy. People say behind each great president, there is a great first lady – and behind her is a great team.

The fact that President Jokowi chose a career diplomat was no surprise. But eyebrows were raised when Retno LP Marsudi’s name topped the shortlist of candidates in the week prior to the Cabinet announcement.

In his previous life as a small-time furniture exporter and exhibitor, Joko Widodo was used to erecting stages. But in early November, just days after being sworn in as the president of Indonesia, he will now be sharing a stage with the world’s most powerful leaders.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will support the establishment of the Bung Hatta School of Diplomacy, an official said on Tuesday.

Europe’s strongest economy, Germany, has vowed to boost cooperation with Indonesia in various sectors as it deems the latter to have preserved peace during this year’s elections, according to an envoy.  "Many Indonesian artists have gone to Germany to perform. This is reciprocal. That's the result of our strong cooperation in culture." 

Jakarta needs a strategy that attracts greater ties with countries of the Middle East.

Thai 'soft power' is highly visible in Indonesia through every-day encounters such as consumer products, entertainment, fashions, food and fruits, to name but a few.  Somehow, Thai authorities who are promoting the country's smart power have no idea of utilising this popular and neutral medium. Na