DIPLOMASI PUBLIK INDONESIA MELALUI PROGRAM BEASISWA SENI DAN BUDAYA INDONESIA (BSBI)

Abstract

Traditional diplomacy or first track diplomacy which only has a government role in its mission are no more effectively in the present of globalization era. The role of public in second track diplomacy is needed to complete the activities of traditional diplomacy. Indonesia is one of developing country that facing a serious problem in its bad images, e.g. undemocratic country, bad economic sector, source of terrorism, large number in corruption, etc. Besides, in many forums, cooperation and organizations, the image building of a country is really important. Promoting sustainable of good images should be addressed as a public diplomacy in many countries, including Indonesia. Indonesian Art and Culture Scholarship (IACS) is a program of Indonesian Government cq Ministry of Foreign Affairs which has become a softpower instrument of public diplomacy. For these 8 years (2003-2010), IACS has achieved many goals which one of them is maintaining image building to the international world. IACS plays a global role and the good images can translate into Indonesian opportunities. It becomes a reason for Indonesian Government in facilitating youths from across countries to join this program. Indonesian public diplomacy through IACS could be an appropriate step to introduce Indonesia by its good images.