Diplomasi 101 Ep.2: Apa sih Diplomat?

Summary

This episode provides an insightful introduction to diplomacy and the role of diplomats, focusing on Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu). Diplomacy is defined as the practice of fostering international relationships through cooperation, negotiation, and dialogue. The video explains the five core functions of diplomats: representing, promoting, negotiating, reporting, and protecting national interests. Indonesian diplomats, stationed at embassies around the world, not only engage in formal negotiations but also promote Indonesia’s image, safeguard citizens abroad, and ensure smooth communication between the government and international partners. The episode wraps up by previewing the next episode on Indonesia’s diplomatic missions abroad.

Takeaways

• 😀 Diplomacy is the practice of building relationships between countries through cooperation, dialogue, and negotiation to achieve mutual goals.
• 😀 Diplomacy can occur bilaterally (between two countries) or multilaterally (involving multiple countries).
• 😀 Diplomacy is often described as an 'art,' especially in the context of negotiations between nations.
• 😀 The primary goal of diplomacy is to strengthen and enhance relationships between countries without resorting to military force or violence.
• 😀 Diplomats are appointed representatives of their countries who protect national interests and work on international relations.
• 😀 Key duties of diplomats include representing their government, promoting their country's image, negotiating agreements, reporting policies, and protecting citizens abroad.
• 😀 Indonesian diplomats are government officials under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) who carry out foreign diplomacy tasks.
• 😀 Indonesian diplomats work in 132 diplomatic missions worldwide, including embassies, consulates, and other representative offices.
• 😀 As of now, there are 1,964 Indonesian diplomats, with a gender distribution of 1,234 male diplomats and 730 female diplomats.
• 😀 Diplomatic staff also includes other roles such as financial officers and communication officers who ensure smooth operations between Indonesia and its diplomatic missions.
• 😀 The next episode will focus on the specific functions of Indonesian diplomatic missions abroad and the various types of missions they operate.

Q & A

What is diplomacy and why is it important?

Diplomacy is the practice of establishing relationships between countries through cooperation, dialogue, and negotiation to achieve mutually beneficial goals. It is important as it helps nations achieve their national interests without resorting to physical violence or military force.

What does the term 'art' mean in the context of diplomacy?

In diplomacy, the term 'art' refers to the skill or craft of negotiating between countries. It involves mastering the art of communication, persuasion, and negotiation to achieve diplomatic goals, which can be bilateral (between two countries) or multilateral (involving multiple countries).

What are the primary goals of diplomacy?

The primary goals of diplomacy are to establish, strengthen, and improve relationships with other countries, ensuring that the national interests in areas like politics, economy, culture, and social matters are represented and protected.

How was diplomacy historically different from military conflict?

Before the advent of diplomacy, countries often used military power to achieve national interests when engaging with other nations. Diplomacy emerged as an alternative to physical conflict, offering a way to reach agreements without violence or war.

Who is a diplomat and what is their role?

A diplomat is a person appointed by a country to represent and protect the country's interests abroad, including in other countries or international organizations. Their role includes negotiating, promoting the country's image, reporting on foreign policy matters, and ensuring the protection of citizens and national interests.

What are the five main functions of Indonesian diplomats?

The five main functions of Indonesian diplomats are: 1) Representing the government and people of Indonesia in foreign relations, 2) Promoting Indonesia's image and fostering international business and cultural exchanges, 3) Negotiating to protect national interests, 4) Reporting on foreign policy developments, and 5) Protecting the rights and interests of Indonesia and its citizens abroad.

Where do Indonesian diplomats work and how many are there?

Indonesian diplomats work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) and in 132 Indonesian missions around the world. Currently, there are 1,964 Indonesian diplomats, including both men and women, who are stationed at embassies, consulates, and permanent missions to international organizations.

How are Indonesian diplomats supported in their work?

Indonesian diplomats are supported by staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including treasurers who handle administrative and financial tasks, and communication officers who manage the flow of information between the Ministry and foreign missions.

What kind of duties do Indonesian diplomats perform beyond attending meetings and receptions?

Beyond attending meetings and receptions, Indonesian diplomats engage in activities such as negotiating policies, organizing cultural events, promoting Indonesian products, assisting with the evacuation of citizens from foreign countries, and working on various international collaborations.

What is the role of Indonesian diplomats in ensuring national security abroad?

Indonesian diplomats play a key role in ensuring national security abroad by protecting the rights and interests of Indonesian citizens, especially in emergency situations, and by safeguarding Indonesia's political, economic, and cultural interests in foreign countries.