The Internationalization of the Indonesian Language as a Public Diplomacy Strategy: Strengthening Indonesia's Soft Power Following UNESCO Recognition
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Fitria Afriyanti*
The internationalization of Indonesian has gained strategic momentum since its recognition as one of UNESCO General Conference’s official languages in 2023, offering international legitimacy and visibility that can serve as an instrument of Indonesia’s diplomacy. This study analyzes the internationalization of Indonesian as a public diplomacy strategy and examines its potential to strengthen Indonesia’s soft power following UNESCO recognition. It employs a qualitative, descriptive-analytical approach, drawing on Joseph S. Nye’s concept of soft power and public diplomacy perspectives as analytical frameworks. Data were collected through literature review of official documents, government policies, academic publications, and sources on Indonesian language internationalization and the Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) program. This study argues UNESCO recognition does not automatically transform Indonesian into a source of soft power, but provides international legitimacy and visibility convertible through strategic internationalization and public diplomacy. BIPA plays a strategic role as an instrument of people-to-people diplomacy, since language learning can facilitate cultural interaction, enhance cross-cultural understanding, and foster long-term relationships with foreign publics. This study proposes a conceptual Recognition-to-Soft Power Conversion model, outlining seven stages through which recognition can be transformed into soft power: recognition, legitimacy, internationalization, public diplomacy, public engagement, cross-cultural understanding, and attraction. The study concludes that strengthening Indonesia’s soft power through language depends on the country’s ability to convert legitimacy into genuine attraction, through an integrated, participatory, relationship-oriented public diplomacy strategy aimed at global publics.
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