Indonesia’s 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Chile, marked by the Indonesian Festival in Santiago, offers a microcosm of a broader trend: the strategic deployment of cultural diplomacy as a tool for geopolitical alignment. The event, a carefully curated display of Indonesian arts, cuisine, and tourism, highlights a deliberate effort to foster relationships and influence within a geographically significant, yet often overlooked, region of the world. This showcases a powerful, albeit subtle, application of soft power, demanding analysis of its potential implications for regional stability and Indonesia’s strategic objectives.
The festival itself, held at Casacostanera Mall—an exclusive venue catering to a wealthy clientele—represents a targeted approach. Indonesia's engagement with Chile, a nation with a strong naval presence in the Pacific and growing economic ties with China, is part of a calculated strategy to diversify its partnerships and exert influence in the Southern Cone. The meticulously organized event, attracting an average of 800 attendees daily, underscores a commitment to building relationships beyond traditional economic or security collaborations. "Cultural diplomacy is about building trust and shared understanding," notes Dr. Elena Ramirez, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Strategic Studies in Santiago. “It's a way of embedding Indonesia's presence and values in a new context, fostering goodwill and potentially opening doors for future engagement."
Chile’s strategic positioning is key. The nation’s historically robust relationship with the United States, while evolving, continues to shape its foreign policy. Simultaneously, Chile’s deepening economic ties with China create a complex geopolitical landscape. Indonesia, seeking to maintain a balance between these influences, utilizes cultural events like the Indonesian Festival to signal its commitment to multilateralism and to subtly introduce itself as a credible alternative partner. The inclusion of Indonesian craft importers Tigalas and Amush, alongside the Nusantara Indonesia restaurant showcasing traditional culinary staples like Mie Goreng Katsu, goes beyond simple tourism promotion. It actively presents Indonesian culture as a tangible asset, capable of attracting investment and bolstering diplomatic ties. "Indonesia is leveraging the allure of its cultural heritage to build a network of influence," states Rizal Wahyudi, Representative for Consular Affairs at the Embassy of Indonesia in Santiago, during the “Discover Indonesia” talkshow. “We aim to foster a deeper understanding of Indonesia – its people, its traditions, and its potential – within the Chilean business and diplomatic communities."
The specific cultural performances – the Mak Inang Pulau Kampai Dance, the Gamelan Sudakarta group’s repertoire, and the Pendet and Jaipong Kembang Tanjung dances – were deliberately selected. These performances, representing a spectrum of Indonesian artistic traditions, serve to broaden the audience's understanding of the country's rich heritage. The inclusion of the Poco-poco dance, a traditionally popular dance, emphasizes Indonesia's engagement with global popular culture, further broadening its appeal. Attendance figures, peaking on Saturday, November 22, 2025, indicate significant public interest, further solidifying the event’s success.
Looking ahead, the Indonesian Festival represents a microcosm of a larger trend: the rising importance of cultural diplomacy in the 21st century. Within the next six months, Indonesia will likely continue to build on this momentum, exploring opportunities for educational exchanges and artist residencies. Longer-term, the event’s success will depend on maintaining consistent engagement and adapting to evolving geopolitical dynamics. “The challenge for Indonesia is to translate this initial goodwill into sustained partnerships,” observes Dr. Ramirez. “Can they build a robust network of relationships based on mutual understanding and shared interests?”
The strategic value of the Indonesian Festival extends beyond simply promoting tourism. It highlights Indonesia's recognition that influence is not solely defined by military or economic power. Instead, it represents an investment in a more nuanced form of power – one built on cultural exchange and shared values. As the geopolitical landscape shifts, the ability to deploy soft power effectively will become increasingly crucial for nations like Indonesia. The level of engagement – measured by continued cultural events, increased academic collaborations, and strengthened trade partnerships – will shape Indonesia’s position within the Southern Cone and ultimately contribute to its broader strategic objectives. The continued success of this initiative, and similar engagements across the globe, will prove pivotal in navigating the complexities of international relations in an increasingly multipolar world. The measured approach to cultural diplomacy employed by Indonesia provides a valuable case study for other nations seeking to leverage cultural exchange as a key component of their foreign policy.