In a bid to strengthen its diplomatic presence, Indonesia is set to embark on a new public communication strategy aimed at shaping the country's global image. A recent Thematic Forum of the Public Relations Coordination Agency (Bakohumas) brought together officials and public relations representatives from various ministries and agencies to discuss strategies for synchronizing foreign public communication with diplomacy.
The forum, held on July 30, was attended by 120 delegates who gathered to explore ways to build a central narrative that reflects Indonesia's national interests. The theme of the event centered around "Strategies and Synchronization of Foreign Public Communication" – a critical element in supporting Indonesia's diplomatic efforts in the increasingly complex global landscape.
Acting Director General of Information and Public Diplomacy, Ambassador Umar Hadi, emphasized the need for Indonesia to establish a unifying vision that reflects national values and interests. This vision, he noted, is rooted in the country's leadership aspirations as highlighted in the "Golden Indonesia 2045" initiative, as well as its commitment to Global South solidarity.
"The goal of this narrative is to position Indonesia not only as a participant but also as an agenda setter and thought leader representing the voices of developing countries," Ambassador Hadi stated. "Ideas that are human-centered and future-oriented will be at the forefront of our diplomatic efforts, with the aim of shaping Indonesia's global image as a sovereign, capable, and globally engaged nation."
Director General of Public Communication and Media at the Ministry of Communication and Digital, Fifi Aleyda Yahya, highlighted the challenges of public communication in a multipolar world. "In the future," she noted, "we need to map foreign communication channels, segment global audiences, and develop international platforms. With a targeted strategy, Indonesia can more effectively strengthen its presence and influence in the global public perception space."
The Bakohumas Forum is expected to serve as a key coordination platform for government public relations, enabling effective implementation of public communication strategies that support Indonesian diplomacy in the face of global challenges.
In conclusion, Indonesia's new public communication strategy is aimed at strengthening its diplomatic presence through a unified narrative that reflects national interests and values. By fostering collaboration between diplomacy and foreign public communication, Indonesia seeks to enhance its global influence and build a positive image on the international stage.