Indonesia Diplomacy in Turkiye: Case Studies of KJRI Istanbulʼs Economic Diplomacy
Written by Sabhira Fadysrach Al Naura
Picture 1. Located in the city center, we have a valuable opportunity to visit the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Istanbul.
In the time of the Internet and globalisation, each country is adopting its own strategy to create a unique identity. The Indonesian Embassy in Istanbul has been actively supporting the implementation of these innovative programs in Turkey. KJRI Istanbul is also working to connect Indonesia and Turkey economically and culturally as well as enhancing educational ties such as through study exchanges. What is happening there is a typical symbiosis, meaning we help one another in doing different things, and the opposite is necessary to once again make the world a happier and more peaceful place.
Why Economic Diplomacy Matters?
Economics is crucial in diplomacy as it influences people, businesses, and nations’ everyday lives. Countries can collaborate to promote economic development, creating new markets, creating jobs, and improving concepts. This is not just limited to statistics or trade agreements, it also connects farmers, entrepreneurs, and workers across different countries. This is why it is the best way to go, as it helps create bridges and improve the overall process of international relations.
Economic diplomacy also strengthens relationships between nations, making them partners rather than competitors. Itʼs like saying, “Letʼs grow together,” instead of building walls. By working together on shared economic goals, countries build trust and stability, which is especially important in a world often divided by conflict and competition.
Picture 2. This is a valuable opportunity because we can have a guest lecture session and a discussion on the economy and citizen protection with KJRI Istanbul.
KJRI Istanbul and Economic Diplomacy in Action
Economic diplomacy refers to the use of diplomatic channels to promote a nationʼs economic interests abroad. In Istanbul, KJRI employs this strategy by promoting Indonesian products, connecting business actors, and fostering trade agreements. Events like the Indonesian Festival in Istanbul and participation in international expos such as the 10th Halal Expo 2023 have showcased Indonesian halal products and commodities, ranging from coffee to textiles (Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs). This is a textbook example of soft power, where cultural and economic assets are leveraged to enhance a nationʼs global appeal.
Additionally, KJRI Istanbul also conducts and facilitates bilateral negotiations like the Indonesia-Turkey Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IT-CEPA). This pact seeks the removal of trade obstacles and the opening of new avenues for companies in both countries. The ongoing negotiations are a perfect example of bilateralism in action which underlines the necessity of direct cooperation among nations in order to achieve mutual economic benefits (Middle East Institute).
How Does KJRI Istanbul Make a Difference?
KJRIʼs programs have indeed produced results given the increasing business turnover by Indonesia and Turkey, as stated by Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As per the information from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, trade between both countries reached $3.1 billion dollars in 2022. Turkey’s exports to Indonesia total a mere $410 million dollars while Indonesia’s exports surpass a whopping $2.7 billion dollars which means that Indonesia has a competitive advantage in several sectors with the best modern technologies available (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey).
Trade is not the only economic partnership between two countries. Over time, Turkey has put more investment into Indonesia in the energy sector and the construction industry. The energy infrastructure projects are not only the proof of the mutual economic interest, but are also the idea of IR that the globalization of the economy caused the dependence of countries on each other (Middle East Institute).
Challenges and the Path Forward
However, there are also challenges that are still pending to be faced. A big trade deficit could bring about serious and prolonged conflicts if we do not find a way out via diversification. More so, the difficulty of bureaucracy and the differences in regulations are frequently creating a problem for business cooperation. It is a matter of goal that the KJRI Istanbulʼs mediation and tackling of such serious issues remain in the top priority for maintaining growth (Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
Only if the IT-CEPA will be brought to a successful and ultimate end, a new page will be turned. All these objectives that are to be met include a reduction in tariffs, simplified customs operations and the attraction of foreign investments so that a more balanced and dynamic economic tie is formed (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey).
References
Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Economic diplomacy: Promoting Indonesiaʼs halal industry in Turkey. Portal Kemlu. From https://kemlu.go.id/
Middle East Institute. Turkey and Indonesia: Historical roots and contemporary business. https://www.mei.edu/publications/turkey-and-indonesia-historical-roots-contemporary-business-links
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey. (n.d.). Turkeyʼs Commercial and Economic Relations with Indonesia. Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From https://www.mfa.gov.tr/default.en.mfa
