Jakarta – Indonesian Ministry Emphasizes Importance of Maritime Diplomacy
The sovereignty of maritime must be articulated, not just preserved, in order to build public awareness and support, stated the director general of information and public diplomacy at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Heru Hartanto Subolo.
This statement was made during the event “Public Diplomacy Goes to Campus” and the screening of the film “12 Mile: Guiding the Archipelago,” organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia in collaboration with Diponegoro University at Gedung ICT UNDIP, Semarang, on Tuesday.
The activities focused on maritime diplomacy based on soft power to strengthen Indonesian sovereignty and maritime rights.
It also promotes political literacy on foreign affairs among students. The focus is on the role of the state in maintaining sovereignty, the stability of the maritime region, and the sustainable use of the sea in national interest.
The Vice Rector of Diponegoro University, in his opening speech, highlighted the strategic role of universities in supporting Indonesian maritime diplomacy by enhancing human resource capabilities, developing research and innovation, contributing academically to global discourse, and strengthening Indonesia’s position internationally.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this activity reflected the main message of the Annual Press Statement of the Foreign Minister (PPTM) 2026, asserting that Indonesian diplomacy is part of national interest.
The event featured speakers from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the director general of information and public diplomacy, as well as the coordinator of maritime and land functions, the legal director, and sovereignty agreements.
As the largest island nation, maritime diplomacy is a strategic tool for enhancing national resilience and global connectivity.
“Maritime sovereignty should not only be preserved but also expressed to build public awareness and support,” Deputy Heru declared in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (8/4).
Universities play a crucial role in shaping Indonesia’s global narrative through research, innovation, and education.
Diponegoro University itself serves as a maritime research center that promotes international collaboration and the development of superior human resources.
Students and faculty members are encouraged to become key players in current and future diplomacy. Their involvement is essential in presenting an image of Indonesia that is better understood, welcomed, and respected globally.
Meanwhile, the documentary “12 Mile: Guiding the Archipelago” highlights Professor Mochtar Kusumaatmadja’s fight to defend the concept of an island state until it was recognized in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1982.
The discussion with the film producer enhanced participants’ understanding of the relevance of the island state concept for Indonesia today.
This activity strengthens public diplomacy based on education and collaboration. In the future, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to encourage the participation of young generations in reinforcing Indonesia’s strategic narrative globally.
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