Redefining the Role of Indonesian Subnational Actors in Foreign Relations through Economic Diplomacy

摘要

The role of subnational actors particularly local government in foreign relations has become more significant in Indonesia, moreover since the Autonomy Law was put into practice after the reform took place in 1999, then the Law No 32, Article 10/2004 was effectively coming into effect. However, the law of local autonomy including the law of special autonomy only regulate the regional mechanism of the making of international agreement. It was accordingly aimed at giving more opportunity for local participation in foreign relations. Amidst the rapid changes caused by globalization which has created a growing interconnectedness, major challenges facing the local government has become ubiquitous and require more capacity and skills from the local government to achieve the national interest. Having regarded to the legal basis of the conduct of foreign relations by regional/local governments, the function of local governments lies on promotion activities of economic, trade, technology and cultural relations. They are also responsible for facilitating people to people interactions and business - to - business transaction. This paper discusses the importance of redefinition of the role of Indonesian subnational actors in foreign relations by using economic diplomacy approach. The paper suggests that capacity building and increasing economic diplomacy skills of local/regional government are the prerequisites to the success of their conduct of foreign relations.