What Will Indonesia’s Foreign Diplomacy Look Like in the Era of President Prabowo Subianto?
Anticipated in the foreign diplomacy of President Prabowo Subianto is the inheritance and implementation of Prof. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo’s diplomatic strategies.
This strategy involves utilizing the power of narrative and kinship to strengthen Indonesia’s soft power.
Despite being known as a prominent economist, not many are aware of Prof. Sumitro’s remarkable diplomacy skills.
One notable diplomatic effort of Prof. Sumitro was documented in a New York Times article.
Sumitro’s plea, published in the New York Times on December 21, 1948, successfully halted American aid funds to the Netherlands, used for military operations following Indonesia’s independence proclamation in 1945.
At the time, Sumitro served as the Acting Head of the Indonesian Delegation to the United Nations.
After World War II, the Netherlands relied on American aid, misused for military purposes in Indonesia.
Despite being only 31 years old, Sumitro was tasked to stop this fund flow by President Sukarno.
Through lobbying U.S. officials, Sumitro successfully ceased the aid, leading to negotiations at the Round Table Conference and Indonesia’s independence recognition.
Sumitro’s narrative and negotiation skills, along with international networking, played a crucial role in securing Indonesia’s independence.
President Sukarno appointed Sumitro as Indonesia’s Ambassador to the United States at the age of 33.
@Dirgayuza’s Notes
