Foreign Policy Talks: Recent Episodes
Noto Suoneto
A podcast to gather and connect the ideas of foreign affairs and international relations, covering the most - pressing global and regional issues in relates to democracy, geopolitics, international political economy, state-business relationship, global governance, and world youth trends.
Given the strategic and growing role Indonesia has at the regional and global level, particularly after two years back-to-back G20 and ASEAN leaderships, this episode will review how one of the candidates, Ganjar Pranowo and Mahfud MD have offered to the table when it comes to the country’s international affairs.Both Ganjar and Mahfud are not foreign policy blind. On multiple occasions, they have shown sufficient knowledge on Indonesia’s position globally. In their vision and mission playbook, they are proposing a tagline “Towards an Excellent Indonesia”, with the foundation of having swift moves to achieve an advanced, justice and sustainable maritime nation.Listen to the summary of their foreign policy agenda here! follow @foreignpolicytalks on instagram for further info.
Three candidates have been submitted their application to run as the new leader of Indonesia in 2024-2029. Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka is one of the three candidates. This episode will cover the summary of Prabowo-Gibran's Visions and Missions on Indonesia's international relationships.
The short summary is only based from the document that has been shared publicly from their campaign team. Follow @foreignpolicytalks on Instagram to ask more questions.
Listen to my conversation with two recipient of Schwarzman Scholarship, Ryan Kueh and Hans Sebastian on the importance to understand China more in the future. Considering the consequential influence that China has to global politics and economy, these two guests have some thoughts on the ways China has been misunderstood.
For your information, Schwarzman Scholars supports up to 200 Scholars annually from the U.S., China, and around the world for a one-year master’s in global affairs at Beijing’s Tsinghua University — ranked first in Asia as an indispensable base for China’s political, business, and technological leadership.
Scholars chosen for this highly selective program will live in Beijing for a year of study and cultural immersion — attending lectures, traveling around the region, and developing a better understanding of China.
Please enjoy the Year-End Review of Southeast Asia in 2022 from the perspectives of Foreign Policy Talks members (specifically from our unit "Southeast Asian Society of Foreign Affairs (SASFA)". Coming from different countries with various expertise, we provide to you our candid thoughts on interesting moments that happened this year in the region!
Please enjoy the Year-End Review of Our World in 2022 from the perspectives of Foreign Policy Talks members. Coming from different countries with various expertise, we provide to you our candid thoughts on interesting moments that happened this year!
Listen to my conversation with Dr. Yohanes Sulaiman, a Lecturer at Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani in Indonesia on the latest President Jokowi’s visit to Russia and Ukraine, of what so called the 'peace mission' in the midst of today's war. Hosted by Thomas Noto Suoneto.
Happy Europe Day!
In celebration of Europe Day, Foreign Policy Talks Podcast collaborates with the European Union (EU) diplomatic missions in Jakarta to bring a series of special episode podcast interviews to our loyal listeners. In this episode, H.E. Igor Driesmans, the EU Ambassador to ASEAN shared his views on the future of regional peace and unity, the implementation of EU's sustainability efforts to ASEAN, the Global Gateway initiative, the EU's stances on the Myanmar crisis, and many more!
Listen now!Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts
Happy Europe Day!
In celebration of Europe Day, Foreign Policy Talks Podcast collaborates with the European Union (EU) diplomatic missions in Jakarta to bring a series of special episode podcast interviews to our loyal listeners. For this special episode, we had the opportunity to have a discussion with H.E. Maria João Lopes-Cardoso, Ambassador of Portugal to Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam. We explored an interesting discussion on the shared cultural values between Portugal and Indonesia, Portugal-Indonesia historic bilateral partnership, the ocean economy, sports, energy transition and Portugal's role in promoting peace and unity. Enjoy!
Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts
Happy Europe Day! In celebration of Europe Day, Foreign Policy Talks Podcast collaborates with the European Union (EU) diplomatic missions in Jakarta to bring a series of special episode podcast interviews to our loyal listeners. Foreign Policy Talks Podcast brings you the most up-to-date discussion with H.E. Olivier Chambard, Ambassador of France to Indonesia. We discussed France's views on Russia-Ukraine's geopolitical tension, the update on France's recent election, and how France promotes peace and unity regionally and globally. Enjoy the conversation! Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts
Happy Europe Day! In celebration of Europe Day, Foreign Policy Talks Podcast collaborates with the European Union (EU) Ambassadors in Jakarta to bring a series of special episode podcast interviews to our loyal listeners. For this special episode, we had such a gripping conversation with H.E Lilla Karsay, Ambassador of Hungary to Indonesia. We covered various issues including the vision for energy transition, trade and investment cooperation between Indonesia and Hungary, also the future of digitalisation, and how to promote peace and stability in the region. Listen now! Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts
Happy Europe Day! In celebration of Europe Day, Foreign Policy Talks Podcast collaborates with the European Union (EU) diplomatic missions in Jakarta to bring a series of special episode podcast interviews to our loyal listeners. Indonesia and the Netherlands have a long history. On this episode, we feature a conversation on the future of Indonesia-Netherlands bilateral relations. H.E. Lambert Grijns, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Indonesia brings us a delightful conversation covering Indonesia-Netherlands partnership, economic recovery, maritime cooperation and the geopolitical tension between Russia and Ukraine. Listen now! Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts
Happy Europe Day! In celebration of Europe Day, Foreign Policy Talks Podcast collaborates with the European Union (EU) diplomatic mission in Indonesia to bring a series of special episode podcast interviews to our loyal listeners. For this special episode, we had a gratifying conversation with H. E. Beata Stoczyńska, Ambassador of Poland to Indonesia. Ambassador Beata Stoczyńska highlighted Poland's humanitarian efforts for the Ukrainians as well as expressed Poland's stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. We also discussed the energy transition and investment also trade cooperation under the future Poland-Indonesia bilateral partnerships. Listen now to get her insights! Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts
Happy Europe Day! In celebration of Europe Day, Foreign Policy Talks Podcast collaborates with the European Union (EU) diplomatic mission in Indonesia to bring a series of special episode podcast interviews to our loyal listeners. For this special episode, we are happy to conduct an interesting discussion with H. E. Francisco Aguilera Aranda, Ambassador of Spain to Indonesia. We entertained a fruitful discussion regarding Spain's stance on the geopolitical crisis between Ukraine and Russia, the Indonesia-Spain partnership on renewable energy development, the ICT partnership and the initiative to promote economic cooperation between both states. Listen to his thoughts now! Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts
Happy Europe Day!
In celebration of Europe Day, Foreign Policy Talks Podcast collaborates with the European Union (EU) diplomatic missions in Jakarta to bring a series of special episode podcast interviews to our loyal listeners. For this special episode, we put a spotlight on a number of important topics with H. E. Dan Adrian Balanescu, Ambassador of Romania to Indonesia. We had meaningful talks regarding the trust in diplomacy amid geopolitical shock, sovereignty and territorial integrity, ambitious energy transition and how to enhance tourism cooperation between Indonesia-Romania. Listen now!
Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts
Happy Europe Day!
In celebration of Europe Day, Foreign Policy Talks Podcast collaborates with the European Union (EU) diplomatic missions in Jakarta to bring a series of special episode podcast interviews to our loyal listeners. For this special episode, we are delighted to have a conversation with H.E. Vincent Piket, Ambassador of the EU to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam. We discussed the EU's ambitious efforts in the EU-Indonesia relations, the EU's support for the G20 Indonesian Presidency, the EU's contribution to the worldwide economic recovery, and of course this episode shares the EU's views regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. Enjoy the conversation!
Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts
We have listened a lot of distinct views on Ukraine-Russia war, and the big question is how to find the best solutions to solve the crisis immediately The spillover impacts of Ukraine-Russia war is everywhere, not only in Europe, but across the globe. Not only in the political sphere, but also economy, and even the state of a multilateral forum like the G20. Indonesia as the G20 President is pushed to take a part in resolving the crisis, with its diplomatic and political resources the group has.
Could Indonesia as G20 President help de-escalate the Russia-Ukraine war? I talked to Professor Hikmahanto Juwana, Indonesia's leading international law expert and Chancellor of Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani to explore that question. Check it out!
In this episode, I talked to Carina Joe, a Senior Scientist at the University of Oxford (AstraZeneca vaccine). Carina shared her experiences on how did she get involved in the vaccine invention and production We explored further on the issue of covid mutation, vaccine nationalism, and Indonesia’s vision to develop a vaccine manufacturing hub. Enjoy!
India was abstain at the United Nations votes over Ukraine-Russia crisis. There is a speculation that India is in a difficult position to against Russia’s attack to Ukraine. In this episode, I talked to Ambassador Gurjit Singh, former Indian Ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, ASEAN and the African Union on why India abstained when the world condemned Russia, the same topic that Amb Gurjit Singh wrote recently at the Jakarta Post.
Listen to my conversation with Radityo Dharmaputra, PhD Student & Junior Research Fellow in Political Science at the University of Tartu, Estonia and Lecturer of Russia-East European Studies and Foreign Policy Analysis at Airlangga University on why do many Indonesians back Russia's position in the case of Ukraine crisis. Since the first attack of Russia to Ukraine, many Indonesians also experts offered their sympathy to Putin's decision as it is reasonable to protect their national security, why is it so? What makes them have this stance?
In this episode, I talked to Sang Kim, Director of Public Affairs at the Korea Economic Institute of America on South Korea's newly elected conservative Yoon Suk Yeol set to become South Korea's next president after Lee Jae-myung, from the ruling Democratic Party, conceded defeat. In a nail-biting vote, the opposition leader won very tight with the democrat. Some big questions appeared, will he bring changes to Seoul's foreign policy? How is the future of South Korea- Southeast Asia relationships?
I talked to Dr. Hana Josticova, from Centre for Russian, European and Eurasian Studies based in the United Kingdom on Putin's decision to attack Ukraine. With all of his justification, will he get what he wants at the end? Enjoy!
Russia has launched a devastating attack on Ukraine, a European democracy of 44 million people, with military forces bombing some cities in the Ukrainian territory. The US, Western allies, and some countries in Asia have imposed sanctions to Putin, Russia and its oligarchs and isolating them from international financial institutions and economic activities etc. I talked to Dr. Kim Beng Phar, a Visiting Fellow to Harvard University and former Director of Political and Security Community at ASEAN on the impacts of this Ukraine-Russia crisis, the responses of major countries to the aggression and how it would move forward in the coming time. One important question explored at the end of our conversation, will ASEAN matter on this crisis? Enjoy!
I am delighted to talk to Eunwoo Lee from South Korea's Ministry of National Defense. We discussed around the recent developments on the Korean Peninsula and how would the upcoming Presidential Election in South Korea affect the future outlook of Inter-Korean relations. Enjoy our conversation!
Listen to my conversations with Ambassador Pou Sothirak, Executive Director of the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace (CICP) on agendas and priorities of Cambodia as ASEAN’s Chair this year. I explored some questions with him such as how would Cambodia's Chairmanship assist the peace establishment in Myanmar and and how would Cambodia ensure that ASEAN will not be trapped in the middle of the great power competition. Enjoy!
In this episode, I talked with Ivy Phan, a Malaysian Youtuber and Content Creator on her experience living in Indonesia for many years. We discussed around her perception on Indonesia's socio-political situation and even try to compare the nation's democracy with Malaysia. Has she ever experienced any racial or religious discrimination in Indonesia? Find out here and enjoy our conversation!
2022 is going to be a very important year for Indonesia, as the nation will lead the G20 forum. As the G20 President, Indonesia has prepared numerous important agendas, mainly on economic and finance sphere. In this episode, I talked to Dr. Wempi Saputra, G20 Finance Deputy and Indonesia’s Assistant Minister of Finance. We conversed on the concrete proposals raised by Indonesia through G20 finance track this year to pursue faster global economic recovery. Furthermore, Indonesia’s Finance Minister Sri Mulyani once said that Indonesian G20 Presidency will integrate all necessary measures not only to mitigate pandemic risks, but also with climate risks. Will Indonesia equally put climate change and its impacts as important as pandemic implications during the G20 forum?
Listen to my conversations with Ambassador Siti Nugraha Mauludiah, Advisor to Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs on Socio-culture and Diaspora. We discussed about the definition of Indonesian diaspora, the government’s strategy to manage them and the role that diaspora can play as the agents of Indonesia’s economic diplomacy. Some new initiatives to manage Indonesian diaspora as the national assets are revealed in this talk. Enjoy!
Our world is now facing multiple crisis and there has been a lot of criticisms towards the effectiveness of our multilateral platform to respond the crisis. Hear my conversations with Sundeep Waslekar, President of Strategic Foresight Group who recently wrote an essay on his thoughts about global governance that published in the New England Journal of Public Policy. You can find it by Googling his name with New England Journal of Public Policy and download it without cost. We discussed on one critical question: should we reinvent our multilateral order? how?
I am talking to Adam Gadd, a Research Associate at Swedish Defence University who recently wrote an article at The Diplomat on why South Korea fell behind Japan in Southeast Asia. This episode gives you more discussion on things made Japan is more trusted as security partner for countries in the region and particularly explore how has the relationships with Japan and South Korea influenced the Southeast Asia’s position towards China. Enjoy!
This episode is talking about the present challenges and future opportunities of Indonesia-Norway bilateral partnerships, particularly amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. Moreover, Ambassador Rut Krüger Giverin, Ambassador of Norway to Indonesia shared the similar values that both states have in common and the biggest lessons that Norway learned from the pandemic. We continued the conversation on Norway's experience in managing its very high education quality and economic performance, also their democracy. Lastly, Ambassador Giverin invited youths to check out potential scholarships on www.studyinnorway.no
Enjoy the conversation!
Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) is recently conducting the ASEAN-China Survey 2021. The year 2021 is a special year for ASEAN and China as they commemorate the 30th anniversary of ASEAN China – Dialogue Relations that was established in 1991. In light of this, FPCI recognizes the importance of continuing the study. The survey is titled “ASEAN – China Survey 2021: Assessing Three Decades of Partnership.”
This year’s survey aims not only to assess Southeast Asian people’s perspectives on the ASEAN-China relations in various areas; political-security, geopolitical dynamics, trade, economy, connectivity, socio-culture, cooperation on COVID-19, but also to identify key trends, challenges, and prospects of cooperation after 1 year of the COVID-19 pandemic and onwards. The respondents are coming from 10 ASEAN nationals with wide-ranging background.
Listen to my conversation with the Project Lead of this ASEAN-China Survey 2021, Calvin Khoe. Enjoy!
The COP-26 Summit in Glasgow finally ended with a climate pact with a set of carbon market rules associated to Article 6 of Paris Agreement. At the last stage of the COP-26 negotiation, India backed by China and other major coal-producing nations proposed a revision to change “phased out” into “phased down” of coal use in the documents. Thus, the COP-26 received a variety of responses including disappointment from many nations.
What was the outcome of COP-26 Glasgow and how about Indonesia’s climate commitment? Hear my conversations withKuki Soejachmoen, Co-founder and Executive Director of Indonesia Research Institute for Decarbonization (IRID) and experienced COP negotiator.
G20 was concluded last week in Rome, Italy with a 20-page declaration. So many areas covered and agreed in the declaration. This episode covers the priorities and policy stances of Indonesia at the G20 Summit and what does it mean for Indonesia’s G20 Presidency next year. Were there any implications of the China’s Xi Jin Ping and Russia’s Putin absence from the G20 summit?
To talk about this, I am delighted to having Dr. Muhammad Hadianto, Deputy Director at Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of Indonesia and Advisor to Vice Minister of Trade, also part of the G20 sherpa team who is in charge for the G20 Indonesian Presidency in 2022. Enjoy our conversation!
In this episode, I talked to Phuong Vu, a Phd Candidate on Politics at the University of Otago in New Zealand about Vietnam’s debt burden to China and its political risks. An interesting fact, Vietnam has long been suspicious of the BRI and to date no new infrastructure project in Vietnam has been officially labelled as part of the BRI in the public domain. Why is it so?Against those risks, why does Vietnam continue to seek funding from China? Enjoy the conversation!
In this episode, I talked to Mong Palatino, an activist, blogger and politician from the Philippines. Mong served for two terms in the House of Representatives in the Philippines representing the youth sector. Mong is also a regular blogger and Global Voices regional editor for Southeast Asia and Oceania also an active contributor for the Diplomat. We discussed aboutRodrigo Duterte’s recent speech at the UN General Assembly. Mong argued that Duterte is failed to walk the talk and been very hypocritical on several issues like climate change and drug wars. Lastly, we explored his plan to exit politics and Duterte’s foreign policy legacies he left for the country. Enjoy our conversation!
Fumio Kishida has won a race to lead Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), putting him on course to become the next prime minister. He won against the high-profile Minister Taro Kono and also Sanae Takaichi. Mr Kishida will succeed Yoshihide Suga, who decided to step down after just one year in office. In this episode, I talked with Professor Kotaro Tamura, Former Senator and Parliamentary Secretary of cabinet office in charge of economic and fiscal policy, who played a key role in elaborating Abenomics during Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's first administration. He is also an adjunct professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at National University of Singapore; Chairman of Japan Strategic Initiative and Asia fellow at the Milken Institute on Kishida’s foreign policy outlook.
We discussed Japan’s future US- China policy and Korean Peninsula affairs under Kishida administration. Political expert, Takao Toshikawa, editor of the political newsletter Tokyo Inside line labelled Kishida as Mr status quo, I asked Prof. Kotaro whether he agrees on this label. At the end of our talk, we conversed on the outlook of ASEAN-Japan relationships. Enjoy the episode!
China has submitted a formal letter of application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership or CPTPP. I asked Dr. Deborah Elms, the Founder and Executive Director of the Asian Trade Centre and Vice Chair of the Asia Business Trade Association (ABTA) on the possibility of current members of the CPTPP agree to allow China joining the group. I also discussed with her about the most rationale objectives behind China’s application to join the CPTPP from Beijing’s perspective and whether it would trigger the U.S. under Biden’s presidency to take a deeper look at CPTPP again. Enjoy the talk!
I spoke to Mutti Anggitta, a security analyst and nuclear specialist at the Laboratorium Indonesia 2045 on AUKUS and Indonesia’s position towards the security pact. We explored from the strategic views on Indonesia’s readiness to this possible security risk and the ideal stance Indonesia must have in the middle of intensifying China-Western allies military tension. Enjoy the conversation!
In this episode, I spoke to Natalie Sambhi, the Founder and Executive Director of Verve Research, and Non-Resident Fellow at Brookings. We talked about the most concerning aspects of the AUKUS as a security deal to Jakarta and the possible implication of AUKUS such as a more intense “strategic insecurity” with countries in the region, particularly with China.
Are we going to see China retaliate with the improvements of its military capability? Will AUKUS bother Canberra’s desire to expand its regional outreach, particularly in elevating its defence engagement and relationships with regional partners including ASEAN countries? I explore those questions with her. Check it out!
In this episode, I was speaking with Dr. Barbara Yoxon, Lecturer in International Politics at the Lancaster University on the recent AUKUS security alliance between the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. what are the key objectives of this AUKUS? And why does the pact provides the nuclear-powered submarines to Australia?Will it create more intense“security dilemma”, particularly with China?What would be the implications of AUKUS at the end geopolitically? I explored those questions with her. Check it out!
I discussed with Aristyo Rizka Darmawan, a Lecturer of International Law at the University of Indonesia. He just wrote an article on the role of social media on Indonesia’s foreign policy. I asked him about that article, particularly on the impact of democratization in Indonesia to its foreign policy, the importance of public awareness on foreign policy and the possible negative consequences of social media discourse to Indonesia’s foreign policy. Moreover, I explored with him whether Indonesian leaders have used social media effectively, at least to provide a better explanation of its foreign policy. I talked to Aristyo if ever public’s voices being heard by the Indonesian government through social media.
In this episode, I conversed with Dr. Siwage Dharma Negara, the Senior Fellow and Co-coordinator of Indonesia Studies Programme at ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute. We discussed how has the COVID-19 pandemic affects Indonesia-China relationships. Apart from that, we deeply talked about Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI) cooperation and how does President Jokowi and his administration deal with the straining rivalry between China and the United States.
In this episode, I talked to Sebastian Strangio, Southeast Asia editor of The Diplomat and author of “In the Dragon’s Shadow: Southeast Asia in the Chinese Century” book. We were trying to assess the Southeast Asia-China relationship by linking the COVID-19 pandemic with the current behaviors of ASEAN states towards China. Some questions raised during the interview such as whether Sebastian see any cautiousness felt by Southeast Asian leaders to the rising China’s influence in the region and also which countries, he thinks is the best in addressing the Beijing-Washington rivalry.
At the end of our conversation, I asked his thoughts on Indonesia’s stance in engaging China and how will Jakarta-Beijing move forward in the nearer future under the Jokowi’s administration. Moreover, I was a bit naughty and asked him whether China has brought any negative influences to Southeast Asia’s democracies.
In this episode, I talked to three Indonesian delegation to the Y20 (Youth 20) Summit Italy 2021. They are Angelo Wijaya, Consultant at World Bank, Caroline Dea, a Lecturer at University of Sam Ratulangi and Co-founder of Sulut Semangat and Puteri Anetta Komarudin, a member of the People's Representative Council (DPR). They are part of the Indonesian Youth Diplomacy (IYD). We explored their participation at the Y20 Meeting in Italy and issues they were representing. Additionally, we discussed whether political division among G20 members present at the youth meeting and how much confident their voices being heard by the G20 leaders. More importantly, they shared to me the behind process of making recommendations and how would they move the results of Y20 Italy forward domestically.
Happy to talk with Nadhila Renaldi, a graduate from London School of Economics and Political Science and Chevening Scholar who is keen to share her views on the current Indonesia- United Kingdom cooperation. Apart from that, she was sharing the benefits of studying in the United Kingdom university or academic institution. Nadhila with the Indonesian Students Association in the UK supported by the Indonesian Embassy in London and British Embassy in Jakarta will be convening an event called "Think Lab", what is it and how does it may influence the future engagement of both countries? Check out this episode :)
As the strategic contest between China and the United States remain influencing the state of geopolitical dynamic, many region is affected including Southeast Asia. Scholars argue that ASEAN will be the ultimate “winner” not Washington and not Beijing—as ASEAN states will apply “strategic hedging,” with a non-alignment position. Yet, some other authors view that ASEAN states have been trapped in the influence competition between two major powers.
Let’s get the views of Dr. Benjamin Ho, the Assistant Professor and Deputy Coordinator of International Relations Programme at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore about the position of ASEAN in the middle of Bejing and Washington Rivalry. Find out also his thoughts on Indonesia's foreign policy towards the major power rivalry.
Recently, our world is seeing two critical summits, the G7 Summit hosted by Cornwall in the United Kingdom and Putin-Biden Summit in Geneva. Talking about the G7 Summit, what does the G7 Summit mean to world diplomacy? Is it simply the sign of G7 forum resilience or, more than that, a renewed commitment of democratic nations to reinvigorate the liberal world order? What are the major threats perceived by the G7 countries today? Are we seeing any strategy of the G7 countries in facing China’s growing political and economic influence? Moreover, from the Putin-Biden Summit, will we see a significant difference in the future Russia-U.S. relationship?
President Biden was very loudly and proudly stated that America is Back! He affirmed this commitment by convening some influential leaders’ meetings among the US global friends and alliance since he sits in the White House. Has the United States truly come back?
I discussed those questions with Prof. David Dunn, Professor in International Politics at the Department of Political Science and International Studies in the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
I interviewed Dr. Siswo Pramono, Director General/Head of the Policy Analysis and Development Agency (PADA) at the Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). to discuss the impacts of the global COVID-19 crisis on Indonesia’s foreign policy. As the centre for the gravity of geopolitics and the geopolitical map has been shifted to Asia, also accelerated by this pandemic, Indonesia needs to gain the benefits of the shifting. Amidst the straining geopolitical contest among major powers and the COVID-19 pandemic, China appeared with a narrative of being a global leader in fighting the pandemic with its vaccine diplomacy and rising political influences. Is Indonesia pulled to China’s COVID-19 influence?
We were talking about one of Indonesia’s foreign policy priorities, economic diplomacy. I see a changing focus of Indonesia’s foreign economic policy from the first term of President Jokowi’s administration to the second term. The first term was very much associating Indonesia’s economic diplomacy with its maritime fulcrum goals. However, in the second term, primarily driven to have more investment and trade partnerships, have there been any changes in Indonesia’s economic diplomacy direction? What are the main challenges for Indonesia’s economic diplomacy at the post-pandemic time?
In this episode, I talked to Rocky Intan, a Researcher at the Department of International Relations at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Jakarta. We discussed about one of Indonesia’s foreign policy priorities, economic diplomacy. Rocky wrote in 2019 that Indonesia needs to recalibrate its conception of economic diplomacy, does he still think the same way?
Moreover, what President Jokowi instructed to Indonesia’s envoys are most likely referred to as commercial diplomacy than economic diplomacy. What is the difference? President Jokowi’s administration is also often associated with protectionism policy with many domestic considerations and narratives like “stand on its own feet”, “hate foreign products”, etc. Is Indonesia trapped in a paradox between liberalising its markets to foreign partners and protecting domestic products? What are the main challenges for Indonesia’s economic diplomacy so far?
I explored those questions during this podcast interview. Check it out on Spotify, Google Podcast and Apple Podcast.
In this episode, I am speaking to Kyaw Zaw Lin, the President of UNITE 30 Myanmar who is now based in Yangon. He shared to me the realistic situation in Myanmar and his honest views on the chance of protestors to overthrow the military junta. As Southeast Asian nations are set to discuss Myanmar's governance crisis at a summit in Jakarta on Saturday 24 April, Lin stated his hopes to the regional intervention despite ASEAN's principles of consensus and noninterference.
In this episode, I interviewed Professor Daniel S. Markey,Senior Research Professor, Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) to talk about his views on Biden’s foreign policy and the United States’ engagement with Asia particularly China. Some important questions are given to him such as what are the major Biden’s foreign policy towards China, how quick and how realistic is Biden’s goal to put back the US global leadership? How does Prof. Markey see the future developments of the Quad and how much likely China will balance the Quad by another military or security alliance in the region?
Most importantly, I raised a question based on my personal curiosity on how would the United States win the competition against China in this contestable Southeast Asia region? Check this episode on Spotify and available on Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts too.
This 5 minutes episode is covering an assessment on the situatiin inside Myanmar and give some brief analysis on what ASEAN can do to solve the ongoing political crisis.
In this episode, I talked with Yuan Jiang, an Australia-based China and Russia analyst, actively appeared in many international news platform like South China Morning Post (SCMP), The Diplomat, Global Times, China Daily, The National Interests etc. Recently, he wrote an interesting article at the Diplomat titled “The Continuing Mystery of the Belt and Road”. Therefore, I asked him why does he think that BRI is a mysterious China's policy narratives? How does he see the outlook of BRI at the post-COVID-19 time when countries in the region are going to pursue economic recovery? What does he mean by saying that BRI is a constantly changing group of policy settings? And also to what extent the changing leadership in the United States will affect the future BRI projects and implementation?
Hear my conversation with Kateryna Tsybenko from Ukraine, Stella Nderitu from Kenya and Neta Cynara from Indonesia about the role of women in politics, democracy and diplomacy today. What are the challenges they face in those field and what should be given to women to be more empowered in the future? Happy International Women's Day!
This 5 Minutes episode by Willy Dwira is discussing the expectation on the Afghanistan Peace Talks after almost two decades since the US invasion to Afghanistan in 2001.
This interview is discussing about the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a deal signed by fifteen Asia- Pacific states last year. Overall, RCEP will create the most populous trade area globally, and it joins together several of the world's largest economies, like China, Japan, and South Korea, arguably the largest trade deals in the world.
Is the claim of ASEAN's victory over this RCEP correct and acceptable? RCEP brings countries with different levels of economic development. An analysis stated that there are fiscal and cultural differences among those countries, which arguably promote more gaps that are difficult to bridge. How to ensure the output of this deal can equally be distributed? What are the benefits of RCEP to Indonesia’s economy? Will there be any risks given by this deal on Indonesia’s industries? why did India out from this deal?
I explored those questions with Dr. Donna Gultom, a Trade Expert and Board Member of Center for Indonesian Policy Studies (CIPS), former Director of Trade Negotiation for ASEAN at the Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade.
In this episode, I had a conversation with Parker Novak, Resident Program Director for the International Republican Institute (IRI), a Washington, DC-based non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting freedom and democracy worldwide. Parker is an international policy and political professional with an outstanding knowledge on Indonesia-U.S. relationship.
I explored the most significant challenges for President Biden to address the problematic domestic issues and the ambitious foreign policy goals of his administration. Considering Biden's long and extensive foreign-policy experience and the team of familiar figures from the Obama and Clinton administrations, what can we expect from the U.S. foreign policy in the next four years judged or assessed from his foreign policy team? Moreover, for couple of times, we heard that Biden wishes to re-engage Asia, what steps must be taken first? dealing with China? What is his projection of the Indonesia-United States bilateral relationship?
Overall, we discussed this important question, has the United States regained its global leadership?
In this episode, I talked to three young foreign policy enthusiasts who have been working on the field for some years, Frederik Wrist, an active foreign policy writer and postgraduate student on International Relations at the University of Birmingham, Esther Tamara, associate researcher at Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia, she is also a graduate of International Relations, Political Science, and Economics from University of Massachusetts, Boston and Ignatius Randy, a young Indonesian diplomat posted at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
We explored the future relationship between Beijing and Washington, particularly after seeing the positive tone given by Premier Xi Jinping to uphold the spirit of non-conflict and non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation, in which will focus on cooperation, control differences and promote healthy and stable development of Chinese-U.S. relations.
Biden has an extensive knowledge and experience on Asia from his previous positions, his team in the White House also have a strong background that believed by many analysts give the hopes to a better relationship with Asia. What are the challenges for Biden and his team in engaging Asia especially with Trump legacies on the ground? Should Biden keep the U.S. tough on China? What are the best strategic ways for Biden to regain trust towards the United States particularly from Southeast Asian countries?
In this episode, you will listen to the voices of student protesters against the recent military coup in Myanmar. Hear their thoughts on what they wish for the Burmese future democracy!
In the past few years, we have seen numerous events of how social media have revolutionized politics. More leaders around the world have used social media platforms for various purposes. However, as some cases show the negative implications of social media's influence in politics, shall we regulate them? If yes, how?
This 5 minutes episode covered by Willy Dwira discussing about the Myanmar coup and the arrest of State Councilor Aung San Suu Kyi by the Burmese armed forces. Find out three important lessons from this coup for the regional and international community.
In this episode, I talked to Deputy Chief of Mission of Indonesian Embassy in Beijing, China, Dino Kusnadi on the developments of Indonesia-China relationship. I asked him whether he agree that the COVID-19 plague has made our relationship even become stronger or not and the progress of vaccine cooperation between two countries.
Seeing the high infection rate of COVID -19 in Indonesia until now., it seems our government is in the struggle situation to cope with this unprecedented global health crisis. What can we learn from China in handling this pandemic? What makes them able to fight against COVID-19?
The heightened rivalry between the US and China has profoundly affected how Indonesia should engage with China. I asked him to describe our foreign policy towards China under the administration of President Jokowi. Does he agree if I say Beijing has gained more attention to Jakarta than Washington? Is this more favourable direction towards China coming directly from President Jokowi, how is the policy direction made internally?
Lastly, I asked to him the significant hurdles in Jakarta and Beijing's relationship, especially in the Post COVID-19 world. Check this out!
The declining American supremacy and the rise of emerging powers such as China in our geopolitical map have put more strains on India-Russia relations. What are the recent developments in the two countries' bilateral dynamic, and what should we expect in the future?
In this episode, I talked with the EU Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Vincent Piket, discussing some important issues in the Indonesia-EU relationship. As we know, the Covid-19 crisis has presented the world with unprecedented health, economic, and socio-political crises, including to the EU and Indonesia. I asked him on what has the EU learned from this pandemic, in regards to leadership, regionalism and collective governance in addressing this common enemy. Moreover, I explored his view on how could the EU and Indonesia strengthen our democracy which eroded and weakened these days. I also brought up more controversial issues such as the recent developments of EU-Indonesia palm oil disputes, the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU CEPA) and the implications of Brexit on the engagement of two entities. Check this out!
This episode by Willy Dwira Yudha is discussing the end of Brexit and the impacts it brought to the UK, outlining three changes that immediately takes effect after the Brexit.
Within one year after being titled as the defence minister of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto has been actively improving its military and security cooperation with many countries. He has reportedly visited Turkey, France, China, Russia and recently the United States. The visits have resulted in a couple of collaboration, deals and agreements. Is it mainly for exploring the underdeveloped security relationship or showing Indonesia’s independence and neutral security policy by diversifying its partners? Moreover, do we see an improvement in our defence diplomacy from the governance and leadership under President Yudhoyono compare to President Widodo? What has been changed and what has been continued? During this pandemic, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue relationship known as Quad consists of Australia, Japan, U.S. and India have become more intense, intensifying its cooperation to counter against China. How should Indonesia respond or anticipate Quad development? How does the inflaming tension between the U.S. and China impact Indonesia’s defence and security? The recent finding of surveillance drone has made the public fear of an intrusion to Indonesia’s sovereign waters. Are we able to secure our underwater territory from such threats? What should be improved from our defence system in securing our territorial sovereignty? I explored those questions with Lieutenant Colonel Frega Inkiriwang, an active member of Indonesia’s armed forces, PhD Candidate at the London School of Economics and Political Science and the Assistant Professor at the Indonesian Defence University. He recently finished his dissertation on the development of Indonesia’s defence diplomacy at the post-new order era.
In this episode, I talked to William Aditya Sarana, a young politician and member of Jakarta Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD DKI) on politics, democracy and corruption. I asked him the motives and intentions to enter politics, the positive contribution of youth participation in politics, and problems on Indonesia’s democracy today. Moreover, I explored his views on how has the COVID-19 pandemic told us on effective leadership and his hopes on the future anti-corruption efforts. He also shared his messages for young people who wished to enter politics.
The COVID-19, digitalization, and the acceleration of the Fourth Industrial Revolution are driving a shift in global governance, including on tech sector. Currently, the United States and China have become the most significant competing powers for global tech governance. What are the implications of this competition and what might challenge their pursuit of global tech governance leadership? Check out this episode by Birgitta Riani
Hear this special year-end episode by all hosts of Foreign Policy Talks Podcast, Noto Suoneto, Willy Dwira Yudha and Birgitta Riani, talking about key lessons learned from the world of COVID-19 pandemic this year and what do they expect mainly from the global politics and governance in 2021!
This episode by Willy Dwira Yudha is discussing the WTO's missed deadline to conclude a deal on eliminating subsidies for harmful fisheries. Why has the WTO failed to conclude it this year?
In this episode, I talked to Dr. Evan Laksmana, a political scientist and senior researcher at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) to assess the Indonesia-China relationship. Are Indonesia and China in a good term? Or Jakarta is too dependent to Beijing? Has Indonesia maintained an equal relationship to China as to the United States? Dr. Evan wrote in January that Indonesia needs a new strategy in dealing with China. What has been wrong in the relationship? Does he think the same way today after a closer relationship since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic? We also discussed about the South China Sea. Indonesia is a “non-claimant” in the South China Sea, but in the last few months, especially in the beginning of this year, Indonesia and China have some tensions around the Natuna EEZ. How to solve this issue? He also argued that Indonesia doesn’t have a clear China policy. What are the reasons behind his statement and who should be the one to formulate the policy? Should it be the foreign ministry alone? I explored those questions with him and check out this episode on your Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.
This episode will talk about the Abraham Accords, what it achieved under the Trump administration, and what will happen when the new U.S. administration enters office.
Journalists, reporters and media have a crucial role in foreign policy. These people, are the ones who have framed foreign policy news and then share it to the public as a piece of information. That information can shift people’s perception and change someone’s view on any particular issues, countries, leaders, etc. I had a fantastic opportunity to talk with three journalists working for several prominent international medias and news outlet.
I asked them to choose one out of many interesting issues this year as their best story to cover and their strategy in framing an international issue to be more understandable and interesting for larger audiences. What are the difficulties and advantages of being a journalist covering international or foreign policy issues? Will there always be a personal or institutional bias in reporting foreign policy news? For people who wants to be a journalist, what level of critical thinking do they need to have?
I explored those questions with Dian Septiari from the Jakarta Post, Randy Mulyanto and Stanley Widianto who have been actively writing for theTelegraph, South China Morning Post, Nikkei Asia and Reuters! Check out Foreign Policy Talks on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts to get their answers.
Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison has often acknowledged the urgency to solve climate change by urging more global solutions and been actively involved in number of key international global climate governance. However, Australia reportedly has not pledged the net-zero emission target and been very protective of its coal industry. Are there any domestic political concerns for Morrison to be actively promote pro-environmental policies? Are the concerns may consider as the reasons behind the inconsistency of Australia's climate policy then?
One of the factors that will determine how we're going to spend 2021 is of course how well countries can administer control over the global pandemic. A covid vaccine is seen as the key, but, it comes with the complexity of making sure the vaccines are not only safe and effective but also accessible to everyone around the world. What kind of roles does diplomacy play in this, and how far along are we? Join me Birgitta Riani in this episode as we take a look at the current state of the world and explore the dilemma within the COVID-19 vaccine race.
In this episode, I talked to Prof. Laura Southgate, a lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Aston University, UK and an expert on Southeast Asia on the geopolitical dynamics affected by the United States election to ASEAN neutrality. Has either China or the United States won in the competition of gaining more influence in ASEAN? Is it correct to say that the ASEAN Outlook on Indo Pacific is a reaffirmation of this Zone Zine of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN) idea? What is the impact of the extremely close Cambodia-China political proximity on ASEAN unity? What would be Biden’s reengagement strategy to Southeast Asia?
I explored those questions with her. Check it out!
This Foreign Policy in 5 Minutes by Willy Dwira episode covers the discussion on the largest trade pact signed on 15 November 2020 by 15 countries involving 2.2 billion people. What is the RCEP? What are the benefits of the RCEP? What are the concerns?
In this episode, I talked to Alhareth from Libya and Prathyusha from India on the challenges given by COVID-19 to the state of world’s democracy. Alhareth explores the perspective from a citizen of Libya, a country which arguably under the extreme fragile political order since it just had the transition to democracy and Prathyusha shared her thoughts on the the increasing Hindu nationalist grip on Indian society and politics which may be a hard challenge for its democracy. Moreover, we talked a lot on the challenges to global cooperation among democracies in fighting the pandemic and the projections also hopes of world democracy under the Biden leadership.
After Biden defeated Trump on the U.S. election, it has sparked a lot of questions afterwards. One of them is what would be the future of relationship between Indonesia and the United States? I talked to some young foreign policy enthusiasts to explore it. We also discussed the expectation on bilateral economic cooperation and the projection of dramatic shifts in the global climate change efforts. Left to right: Azalea Johannes, an Indonesian Diaspora based in Washington D.C. and Host of Cakap Iklim, Bernard Vega, the President of Indonesian Student Association in New York, Otto Noordraven, the Vice President of Indonesian Student Association (PERMIAS) in the United States based in Los Angeles, and Angelo Wijaya, the Host of In the World Podcast and World Bank Consultant. Get our views by checking out the Foreign Policy Talks Podcast on your Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts!
In this special episode, I talked to Ambassador Dewi Wahab, the new Indonesian Ambassador to Denmark and Lithunia on her priorities in strengthening the Indonesia-Denmark bilateral relationship. We managed to discuss the challenges faced by both nations in terms of building a stronger economic and trade cooperation and how the COVID-19 pandemic affects the development. Moreover, as two countries embrace some shared values and interests and have progressively nourished its democracies and people-to-people connection, I asked Ambassador Dewi on how would be her strategy to elevate the collaborative efforts in those sectors.
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impact beyond global health. It gave us enormous political, social, economical and environmental consequences. Many assumed that during the COVID-19 time, global environment is in a better state. Is it true? How do policies imposed during this pandemic affect the global efforts in saving our environment?
There is no landslide victory for Biden, nor Trump’s severe lost for that matter. The progress has only been showing close margin that slightly in favor for Biden. Despite who will win the US presidential election, either Donald Trump or Joe Biden, here are the things that we should concern about.
This episode covers the world's current wealthiest monarch, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the King of Thailand and the unprecedented call to reform the monarchy from his people. Another problem is that King Maha ruled the nation from Germany even during COVID-19 pandemic and only recently made his return after spending almost 6 months there. The German made some responses, concerning the problematic presence and activities of King Maha in Germany. Will this situation rise diplomatic problems between Thailand and Germany?
In this episode, I talked to Prof. Mark Cogan based in Osaka, Japan on Thai’s democracy crisis and the recent escalating protests in Thailand. We discussed how significant the protests bring to the structural changes in the flawed Thai political system. How and when would we see the end of these protests?
This episode covers my conversation with Ericssen, an independent political analyst and elections expert on the upcoming U.S. election 2020. We had an interesting discussion on the U.S. election system including the differences between electoral college and popular vote. Moreover, we explored the most considerable aspects on the political minds and standings of the U.S. voters today and how likely Biden will beat Trump to get the highest position in the Oval Office. At the end, we discussed the ways Trump can do if he refuses to leave the White House.
Today's episode by Willy Dwira explores the foreign policy plan of Vice President Joe Biden who is competing with Trump for the US election this November. How likely he wins the election? Let's figure it out!
This episode by Birgitta Riani covers the foreign policy legacies of President Trump and also to answer what is the likelihood of Trump getting re-elected on this November election.
In this episode, I am talking to Tommy Aditya, one of Indonesian delegation to the Y20 Summit by Saudi Arabia about the messages delivered by young leaders from 20 countries to their national leaders and the challenges also opportunities of youth in post COVID-19 world. We also explore the impacts of COVID-19 on the future jobs and what skills youth must have to face this uncertain world. Check this out!
This episode by Willy Dwira covers the dynamics of China's Belt and Road Initiative Deals in Italy. The deals which signed last year have some crumbles after Italy elected a new government who are harsher to China. Check this out!
This episode by Birgitta Riani covers the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent tour to Southeast Asia and the effects it might bring to the U.S.-China war of influence in the region.
What is the purpose of this visit? Check it out!
Today’s episode by Willy Dwira will discuss the humanitarian aid shortage which brings back the threat of famine in Yemen. What has caused the humanitarian aid crisis in Yemen this year? Check this out!
In this episode, I talked to Gracia Paramitha, the co-founder of Indonesian Youth Diplomacy (IYD) on the state of global agendas in the post COVID-19 world. We explore the most important global issues to watch this year and how has COVID-19 pandemic made us forget about those issues. Moreover, we had a conversation on how to re-shape our efforts in anticipating the top global risks reported by World Economic Forum Global Risks Report 2020. As someone who has been very active in promoting youth collaboration in solving the world problems, I also asked her why youth should come up and be consistent with their voices, actions, and initiatives?
Today's episode by Birgitta Riani covers the discussion around the Quad, an informal strategic forum between the United States, Japan, Australia, and India. Recently, the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed his vision to institutionalise Quad that aimed to counter China. This idea will arguably create more geopolitical dynamics in the region. So, will the Quad pose a threat towards ASEAN centrality?
This episode by our Thursday host, Willy Dwira is covering the recent diplomatic visit of the UK to South Korea and Vietnam. These visits are held amidst the ongoing dynamics on the UK-China relations and in an arguably shifting position of UK towards China caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Is this one of Boris's strategies to counter China?
This episode by our tuesday host, Birgitta Riani will discuss the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. This conflict is one of the world's oldest ongoing territorial disputes. Why is this conflict riskier now than it was in the past? And is this conflict just between two countries or actually there are more powers involved behind?
Thursday Episode by Willy Dwira Yudha. The recent publication of the first English-language biography of Joko Widodo titled “Man of Contradiction” raises the debate on the contradictions that surrounds Jokowi. Taking part on the debate, today’s episode would discuss about Jokowi’s Economic Ideology: The Pit Between Openness and Protectionism.
This episode will take you through the latest issue in the Korean Peninsula, which is the shooting of a South Korean official by the North Korean Military on September 24th 2020 - Tuesday Episode by Birgitta Riani
In this episode, I talked with a top career diplomat and distinguished foreign policy thinker, H.E. Dr. Hassan Wirajuda, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Indonesia (2001-2009) and member of the Indonesian Council of Presidential Advisors from 2009-2014.
I asked his view on the geopolitical and geo-economical changes in the post-COVID-19 world and how should Indonesia reposition its foreign policy amidst this shifting landscape. I also explored the future of Indonesia's economic diplomacy and get his insights on what has been missing under President Jokowi's foreign policy agenda. The most interesting part of this interview is his suggestion on what should Indonesia do in the middle of escalating US-China tensions. As someone who has been very active in promoting democracy, he definitely has some takes on how Indonesia's foreign policy can play a more constructive role in reviving the advancement of global democracy.
This year, ASEAN launched 2020 as a year of ASEAN Identity. ASEAN also has formulated a planned integration among its ten member nations and has challenged its citizens to embrace a regional identity. What is the importance of having ASEAN identity for ASEAN people? What is the current state of ASEAN integration and ASEAN as one community? and what are the roles of ASEAN young people in increasing the awareness of ASEAN Identity?
I explore those questions with Jonathan Tan, the Head of Culture and Division at ASEAN Secretariat.
Thousands of Thailand’s youth were rallying on the streets of Bangkok and claimed it as one of the biggest anti-governments protests in the last decades. Why are these young generations of Thai are protesting against the government? How to understand the roots of the repressive environment or lack of freedom of expression in Thailand?
Furthermore, the protesters were shouting “Down with Dictatorship, Long Live Democracy”! What is wrong with Thailand’s democracy?
I discussed those questions with Pongkwan Sawasdipakdi, Professor at the Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University in Thailand. Check it out!
COVID-19 is making it painfully clear just how interconnected our social, economic, and political challenges are. The spread of the coronavirus disease has changed and affected everything including our environment. A recent poll conducted by the IPSOS MORI, a global market research company also found that 71% of the world population thinks climate change is as serious as coronavirus.
What are the impacts of COVID-19 on the international environmental agenda? Does the people’s fear on coronavirus as serious as climate change can be a contributing factor for our world leaders to make today as a momentum to drive more actions in saving our environment? What has COVID-19 pandemic “told” us about the importance of the community-based actions and contributions? How to build the same spirit to the global efforts in tackling climate change in this case?
I explore those questions with Dayu Nirma Amurwanti, Program Advisor, Climate & Forest, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Jakarta and Former Climate Finance Advisor at the Partnership for Governance Reform in Indonesia. Check it out!
Since the death of George Floyd in police custody on May 25, public opinion on race, criminal justice, and the Black Lives Matter movement has leaped leftward and the recent protests in the United States have opened our eyes everywhere in this world. How does the death of George Floyd resulted this situation? How to understand the roots of systemic racism in the USA? What kind of transformational changes that the black American community expect from the racist U.S. system? How much is the “score” for President Trump in handling this crisis? Will Joe Biden be able to solve the systemic racism in the U.S. if he is elected? I explore those questions with Prof. Robert J. Patterson, the Director of African American Studies at the Georgetown University. Check it out!
In this episode, I talked to Prof. Andrew Yeo, the Associate Professor and Director of Asian Studies at Catholic University of America on the New Southern Policy, a strategy of South Korea under President Moon Jae-in’s government to elevate its relations with the Southeast Asian nations and India. We discussed on the objectives of this policy, and the ways South Korea achieve the goals of this NSP.
Is there any resistance or undesirable movements from ASEAN nations and India towards this policy? What are the most significant challenges for South Korea in strengthening its relations with the Southeast Asian countries and India? Do China and the Unites States overlapped South Korea in terms of bilateral partnership with the ASEAN nations and India? In relates to the peace pillar of the NSP and the intense focus on South Korea’s renewed push for inter-Korea engagement. In what ways ASEAN can play a more constructive role in the peace process on the Korean Peninsula?
Get the answers by tuning into this podcast!
In this episode, I am talking to Angelo Wijaya, the advisor of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) ASEAN Society and the future foreign policy expert on the challenges and opportunities of ASEAN cooperation amidst the U.S. and China rivalry. The rivalry that is not only on the political level but spread over the security and economic sphere.
I explore of his views on the most pressing problems experienced by ASEAN caused by this inevitable and growing tensions. Are we trapped in the middle of these two major powers? What has the COVID-19 pandemic “told” ASEAN cooperation so far? And can ASEAN maintain its centrality and how we should hold this as a way to move forward?
In the last part of my conversation with him, I also asked him on why do young people need to be aware of ASEAN?
As we know, economic diplomacy has been the foremost priority of Indonesia’s foreign policy. One of the Minister Retno’s foreign policy priorities is to strengthen our economic diplomacy and enhancing our economic partnership with more countries worldwide. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an inevitable disruption to the Indonesia’s economic partnership plans, experts argued that there will even be a significant shifting economic direction caused by this health crisis.
I am talking to Dr. Faisal Karim on the strategy and approaches of economic diplomacy practiced by President Jokowi’s administration so far and the challenges faced by Indonesia due to President Jokowi’s inward-looking foreign policy along with the huge ambition of Indonesia’s economic diplomacy. But, the most important question is, what would be the future of our economic diplomacy? What are the possible challenges and how to anticipate those?
This is a special farewell interview with Ambassador Kim Chang-beom, the South Korean Ambassador to Indonesia. He is going to end his tenure as an Ambassador here in Jakarta, so I asked him on the development of Indonesia-Korea relationship. Moreover, President Moon Jae-in and President Joko Widodo have made some important visits to both countries during his time, therefore I asked him on what is his impression on the friendship between two leaders.
Ambassador Kim has been very active in maintaining a deep and strong engagement with young people across Indonesia through so many great initiatives. How has this helped to create a stronger relationship between the two nations?
In this episode, I also asked him what is your most favourite Indonesian food, city, song and artist? And at the end I had successfully revealed his top secret! Please enjoy!
Along with the rising cases of coronavirus infection around the world, the political tensions between global major powers are also growing significantly. Experts from all over the world start to discuss the geopolitical and geo-economics aspects of the COVID-19 outbreak. From the fragility of the globalized system, the changes in global economic directions until the analysis of U.S.-China power race competition during and after the coronavirus pandemic. Many also debated on the failure of regional cooperation like the European Union and ASEAN in handling the spread of COVID-19. Is ASEAN getting more united? Therefore, to get more understanding of such issues, I interviewed Prof. Kishore Mahbubani, a world top foreign policy expert to discuss specifically on the U.S.-China coronavirus tension and its impact on the geopolitical dynamics of Southeast Asia.
I talked to Azalea Johannes, an Indonesian Diaspora living in Washington D.C. about the ongoing protests and riots in the United States. What is #blacklivesmatter? What are some of the key historical events of systemic racism there? Does it give any transformational changes for the black American community? What does this mean for racial discrimination in the world and Indonesia?
Trump administration is attacked by the huge storm of COVID-19 pandemic and not only affecting its domestic politics but also the direction of U.S. foreign policy. The world is expecting the active U.S. leadership in fighting against COVID-19, however, the facts show the opposite. The pandemic also has revealed flaws in geopolitical structures as well as domestic political systems around the world. While there is a trend of stronger isolationism, authoritarianism and economic nationalism, what is the U.S. position? Domestically, what would happen to the 2020 presidential election? How much damage has been done by the COVID-19 pandemic to Trump’s position? If Trump is not re-elected as the U.S. President and VP Joe Biden is elected. What do we expect in terms of changes in US foreign policy? I explored those questions with Ambassador Robert O. Blake, Jr., former U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, and U.S. Co-Chair of the United States-Indonesia Society (USINDO).
As we know, the COVID-19 pandemic is not only affecting the health and economic situation specifically to the Southeast Asian region, but it has also tested the political leadership of ASEAN leaders. Some of them have been criticized for not taking swift action in combatting the COVID-19, many also criticized of doing some authoritarian measures in their efforts to battle the pandemic. The political aspect of the COVID-19 crisis is a very interesting topic to discuss.
How will the COVID-19 impact politics in Southeast Asia? And in terms of the political communication strategy of ASEAN leaders, which one is the best? Have there been any correlations between the effectiveness of the political system with the successful result in dealing with the pandemic?
I explore those questions with Prof. Zachary Abuza and Prof. Bridget Welsh. Please enjoy!
In the name of protecting public health during this COVID-19 pandemic, ASEAN governments are reportedly have imposed more restrictive measures in containing the effect of this unprecedented health crisis. Many human rights activists stated that governments have gone so far as to utilize the crisis to limit civil and democratic rights. What are the implications of COVID-19 pandemic on human rights in the Southeast Asian region, can we maintain the protection of “public health” and “human rights” to be upheld by the governments? Or given into consideration by looking at some other countries who are relatively successful in fighting the virus, shall we compromise a bit with more restrictive or more authoritarian measures then?
I explore those questions with Yuyun Wahyuningrum, Representative of Indonesia to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR).
During this COVID-19 pandemic, we can see a different trend of Chinese diplomacy- from conservative, passive, and low-key to assertive, proactive, and high-profile diplomacy. Many called it as “Wolf-Warrior Diplomacy”. Why China is resorting to that type of diplomacy? What would be the implication for China’s foreign policy in the future? and is it an effective way to counter what called by the Chinese officials as an “unfair attacks” towards China?
I explored those questions with Professor Zhiqun Zhu, a Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Bucknell University, USA.
According to the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) report and analysis of the economic and food security implications of the pandemic publicly released in April 2020, almost 212 million people are chronically food-insecure. The large majority of those people are in Africa and another region of concern is the Middle East, with countries such as Yemen, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and Syria who all are facing severe economic problems. How severe is the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the food security, especially for the poor and conflicted countries? What is the role of the UNWFP in preventing the food security crisis amid this pandemic so far?
I talked to Abeer Etefa, the Senior Spokeswoman of UNWFP to explore those questions.
In this episode, I talked to Niwa Dwitama, an outstanding diplomat at the Department of ASEAN Cooperation of Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss what exactly diplomats do, the streotypes around the diplomat's work, and the set of skills and knowledge that diplomats should have in the modern era of international relations. We also discuss the most challenging experience and the most unforgettable moment he has ever had at his time as a foreign service.
The Indonesian government has reallocated some parts of the national budget to fund the economic secure package and to fund the containment policies of the COVID-19 pandemic. Obviously, it is affecting the ambitious infrastructure development in Indonesia. Moreover, the continuity of infrastructure projects in Indonesia has become a political commodity to attack President Jokowi and his government. The most debatable project is, of course, the new capital city in Kalimantan.
How huge is the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Indonesia’s infrastructure development? Should the government continue those projects? What if we cancel the new capital city project? And what would happen to the connectivity initiatives like the Chinese BRI, Japanese PQI, and some others? In this episode, I had a fruitful discussion with Kyle Springer, the Senior Analyst at Perth USAsia Centre to explore those questions.
Taiwan is deemed as one of the few countries in the world which have successfully stemmed the spread of the coronavirus without resorting to draconian measures. President Tsai Ing-Wen stated that the success story of Taiwan in battling the COVID-19 is because of the good combination efforts by medical professionals, government, private sectors and society at large. How does it practically happen on the field?
Moreover, shall we blame China for this COVID-19 pandemic and if yes, how to hold China accountable for this? Also, how is the impact of relationship between Taiwan and the World Health Organization (WHO) on the efforts to fight against the virus? I talked to Ambassador John Chen, the Representative of Taipei Economic and Trade Office (TETO) in Indonesia to explore those questions.
On this episode, I talked to Jessica N. Widjaja, a foreign policy activist and the Head of Indonesian Delegation to the G20 Women Leaders Summit (W20). We discussed the importance of understanding foreign policy for young people, the relation between women and leadership especially at the time of this pandemic and the investment for youth to be more engaged in foreign affairs.
India is one of the first countries to impose the lockdown policies to curb the spread of COVID-19, as obviously there are some socio-economic impacts after the lockdown applied to entire India. Many news reported the possibility of a humanitarian crisis occurred in India particularly among the vulnerable groups (poor people and migrants). I talked with Praket Arya, a Senior Research Fellow and Economist at India Foundation to discuss how the Indian government copes with this situation and how can they manage it so far? Moreover, I asked him also on how is the assessment towards the leadership of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the time of this crisis.
This episode presents my conversation with Ambassador Curtis S. Chin, the US former Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Asia Fellow at the Milken Institute. We explored the impact of COVID-19 on the Trump’s possibility to be re-elected this year as the US President, the tension between the US and World Health Organization and also the dynamics and future relationship between the US and China. Moreover, we also discussed the shifting of global economic directions during and after the pandemic and the assessment of Southeast Asian governments in giving their economic policy response to the coronavirus crisis. More importantly, at the end he has a good message to us, young Indonesians!
Hypothetically, if there is a leadership change occurred in North Korea by the death of Kim Jong Un, a big question then, is it going to affect the peace process on the Korean Peninsula? I talked with Shawn Ho, an expert of the Korean Peninsula affairs to get his opinion on the future development of Korean peace process, with or without Kim Jong Un.
The unconfirmed rumors of Kim Jong Un’s declining health status or even his death immediately triggered the discussion and debates on who would be leading North Korea if he died? What is the most likely scenario for the North Korean regime and the future of peace process with South Korea? This episode is discussing those questions with a Korean Peninsula expert, Prof. Lee Sang Shin who is also involved in the intellectual peace process directly from Seoul.