ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — The Government of Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening youth participation in diplomacy through the Korea–Indonesia Public Diplomacy Dialogue, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the National Handicraft Council (Dekranas).
Held in Jakarta on November 25, 2025, the event served as a strategic platform to deepen bilateral cooperation, promote cultural exchange, and enhance nation branding efforts between the two countries.
The dialogue introduced participants to the public diplomacy policies of Indonesia and Korea, while also showcasing cultural cooperation and creative products inspired by traditional heritage. The forum further aimed to encourage discussion on how both nations can build a stronger identity through shared public diplomacy initiatives.
A Strategic Momentum After the Prabowo–Lee Jae Myung Meeting
Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Indonesia, Park Soo-deok, highlighted that this dialogue followed a significant diplomatic milestone—the meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of the APEC Summit 2025 in Seoul.
“Today’s dialogue is a timely opportunity to explore new avenues of cooperation in promoting culture and the creative economy,” he said.
Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ani Nigeriawati, Director of Public Diplomacy, emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral collaboration into more specific creative sectors such as film and music.
“Let us enrich the Special Strategic Partnership between Indonesia and the Republic of Korea with concrete initiatives that elevate our bilateral relations,” she stated.
Youth Participation as a Core Driver of Public Diplomacy
The first session, themed “Enhancing Two-Way Public Diplomacy with a Focus on Expanding Youth Participation,” featured speakers Professor Lee Kyung-mook (Jeonbuk National University), Adella Virosa (Directorate of Public Diplomacy), and Rafliansyah (Editor-in-Chief of SiPalingHi! Media).
Key insights from the session included:
Youth are a critical force in shaping future diplomatic directions due to their digital literacy, innovation, and global connectivity.
Young people must actively engage in multitrack diplomacy, as public diplomacy thrives through collaboration across multiple sectors.
Their involvement is essential in influencing foreign policy and strengthening cross-border understanding.
Building a Cultural Product Ecosystem and Strong Nation Branding
The second session, “Exploring Ecosystem Strategies for Brand Value Creation and Market Expansion of Cultural Products,” brought together experts such as Kim Mikyoung, Woo Hye-jung, Katharine Grace, and Sally Giovanny, CEO of Batik Trusmi.
Speakers underscored the importance of: strategic collaboration between cultural institutions and corporations, innovative promotional techniques, maximizing e-commerce platforms alongside physical retail, sustained government support, rigorous market research, branding, distribution networks, and quality control for global expansion.
Dekranas reaffirmed its readiness to support cultural MSMEs—especially women-led handicraft businesses—in entering international markets.
Katharine Grace Fadli Zon, Head of International Cooperation at Dekranas, emphasized:
“Cultural products are bridges between people. By building strong brand value and adopting the right market strategies, we not only widen economic opportunities but also strengthen Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy.”
Broad Participation and Supporting Programs
The event gathered more than 100 participants, representing government agencies, Dekranas leadership, MSMEs, students, diplomats, professionals, and the general public.
As part of the broader program, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea also held a Public Lecture on November 4, 2025 at the Ministry’s Training Center. Consul General Kang Won-joon delivered insights on Korea’s public diplomacy strategies to diplomatic training participants. (AT Network)
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