Indonesia's Diversity Becomes An Asset In Diplomacy

JAKARTA - The diversity of Indonesian backgrounds and culture is not only a challenge, but also an asset in conducting diplomacy abroad, as an added value as a soft power, said the Director of Public Diplomacy of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ani Nigeriawati, Saturday.

Speaking at the launch of the book "Resonance: Art of Making Messages You Hear, Understand, And Accept" in Jakarta, Ani revealed how soft power diplomacy often facilitates diplomacy carried out by Indonesian diplomats, especially when abroad, and becomes a value more diplomatic by Indonesia than other countries.

He explained that Indonesia's diversity is a valuable asset, including in carrying out diplomacy.

"Sometimes if there is outside diplomacy, for example, we have a meeting, before there was acocognition, we showed traditional dances, various types of Indonesian culinary types," explained Ani, Saturday, October 11.

"Later I'll be full, already delicious, once in the meeting room the dialogue is better," he continued.

"We take advantage of what is actually Indonesia's asset, we can add value to the diplomacy we do, compared to other countries," he said.

On the other hand, Indonesian diplomats must also understand and dive into local culture, which is also used to support diplomatic tasks.

"We are trying to dive into local culture, how to approach local people. We diplomats must be multitalented. I really feel things that are outside of service, much helps smooth diplomatic tasks. For example through eating, singing, that's how to try contact, diving, cross-culturally," explained Ani.

"There are a lot of things that are outside of service, a lot of things are settled behind the table. So the next day when the meeting is just "packed" the term," said Ani.

He explained that in diplomacy who spoke, what message to convey, what substance, to the position that Indonesia wants to convey to the world is an important challenge.

"Every word, every diction is thought, a sentence must contain meaning, what message we want to leave. It doesn't have to be long, the important thing is that the punchline is clear. It applies both bilaterally and multilaterally," he said.

It Is Known, The book "Resonance: Art Makes Messages You Hear, Understand, And Accept" Was written by Ani together with the personal branding consultant Agung Setiyo Wibowo for about a year.

"We want to share theories and practical experiences that can be tips or strategies or guidelines for all. Not only diplomats or professionals, but this is practiced in everyday life, because we as social beings are related to many people," said Ani.