What Will Indonesia’s Foreign Diplomacy Look Like in the Era of President Prabowo Subianto?
Anticipated in the era of President Prabowo Subianto are the implementation of diplomatic strategies inherited from his father, Prof. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo.
This strategy involves utilizing narrative and kinship to enhance Indonesia’s soft power.
Although known primarily as an economist, Prof. Sumitro was also a notable diplomat.
One significant diplomatic action by Prof. Sumitro was highlighted in a New York Times article.
Sumitro’s appeal to the U.S. Government at the age of 31, published in the New York Times on December 21, 1948, successfully stopped the American aid funds to the Netherlands, which were funding Dutch military operations after Indonesia’s Independence Proclamation on August 17, 1945.
In his plea, Prof. Sumitro expressed the urgent need for Indonesia to maintain its own sovereignty.
At that time, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo served as Acting Head of the Indonesian Delegation to the United Nations.
After World War II, the Netherlands, relying on American aid, misused the funds for military operations in Indonesia.
Sumitro, at 31, was tasked with stopping these funds, ultimately leading to the U.S. halting aid to the Netherlands and forcing negotiations recognizing Indonesia’s independence.
Sumitro’s success was attributed to his narrative skills, negotiation abilities, and international connections.
President Sukarno later appointed Sumitro as Indonesia’s Ambassador to the United States at the age of 33.
@Dirgayuza’s Notes