In a significant milestone for diplomatic relations, Indonesia and Switzerland have officially signed a groundbreaking agreement designed to enhance cooperation and improve the lives of diplomats and their families. The agreement, titled Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Swiss Federal Council on the Performance of Remunerated Activities by Accompanying Persons of Members of Diplomatic Missions, Consular Posts, and Permanent Missions, was signed by Indonesia on October 8, 2024, and by Switzerland on December 12, 2024.
The agreement, which has been in the works for nearly a decade, provides a legal framework allowing spouses accompanying Indonesian diplomats in Switzerland—and vice versa, Swiss diplomats in Indonesia—to engage in remunerated activities while stationed abroad. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the well-being of diplomats, allowing them to maintain family stability during their assignments and create new opportunities for spouses to participate in the workforce in host countries.
A Decade-Long Diplomatic Journey
The negotiation process for the agreement was long and involved, beginning with initial talks in 2014. After years of discussions and a series of negotiations, the breakthrough came during the 9th Round of Political Dialogue in Bern, Switzerland, in April 2024, when both governments reached an understanding on the terms of the agreement.
“The signing of this agreement represents a significant step forward in enhancing our diplomatic ties with Switzerland,” said Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono. “This will not only make life easier for diplomats and their families but also pave the way for further collaboration between our nations.”
An Innovative Step for Diplomatic Families
Under the terms of the agreement, spouses of Indonesian diplomats in Switzerland, as well as Swiss diplomats in Indonesia, will be permitted to take up employment in the host country. This flexibility is a departure from the restrictions imposed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, which typically prohibits the immediate family members of diplomats from engaging in remunerated activities in the host country. However, under the new bilateral agreement, both Indonesia and Switzerland have agreed to relax these restrictions in a manner that is in compliance with their national laws.
This new arrangement is expected to foster a more inclusive and supportive diplomatic environment, allowing families to stay together while also enhancing their financial independence and well-being during overseas postings.
A Milestone in Indonesia-Switzerland Relations
The signing of this agreement marks a major breakthrough in Indonesia’s diplomatic history. It is the first such agreement signed by Indonesia and is viewed as an important step toward improving the mobility and rights of diplomats and their families globally. Additionally, the agreement is expected to serve as a reference point for similar initiatives with other countries in the future.
Indonesia and Switzerland have enjoyed strong and fruitful relations for over seven decades, with the two countries set to celebrate their 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026. This agreement is a testament to the growing partnership between the two nations, which spans multiple areas, including trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Switzerland was the first European country to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with Indonesia, both of which have bolstered economic cooperation between the two countries.
A Positive Impact for Diplomats
For diplomats and their families, the agreement is expected to significantly improve the quality of life during their assignments abroad. The ability for spouses to pursue employment opportunities will help address the financial and social challenges that often arise when one member of a family is stationed overseas without the ability to work.
In addition to providing personal benefits to diplomats, the agreement is also seen as an important step in strengthening the diplomatic and economic ties between Indonesia and Switzerland. The move is likely to be welcomed by the international diplomatic community, as it offers a model for other nations to consider when it comes to promoting the welfare of diplomatic families.
As both countries continue to deepen their strategic partnership, the new agreement paves the way for further collaboration in other sectors, strengthening Indonesia’s presence in Europe and further promoting Swiss-Indonesia cooperation on the global stage.