Foreign Diplomacy in the Era of President Prabowo Subianto: A Legacy from Prof. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo
It is expected that President-elect Prabowo Subianto will continue the diplomatic strategies of his father, Prof. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, known for his use of narrative and kinship to enhance Indonesia’s soft power.
Prof. Sumitro, a renowned economist and diplomat, made a significant impact with his plea to the U.S. Government in 1948, urging them to halt aid funds to the Netherlands used for military operations in Indonesia. This plea, published in the New York Times, led to the cessation of aid and forced the Netherlands to negotiate Indonesia’s independence.
At just 31 years old, Sumitro’s narrative and negotiation skills proved crucial in securing Indonesia’s independence post-proclamation. President Sukarno recognized his talent by appointing him as Indonesia’s Ambassador to the United States at the age of 33.
President Prabowo Subianto is likely to build on this legacy of diplomatic success, using narrative and kinship to shape Indonesia’s foreign diplomacy in the years to come.
