Ali Alatas's complaint<\/p>\n
Indonesian diplomats should be more articulate in defending
\ntheir country's interests abroad and not be merely reactive. They
\nshould not limit themselves to analyzing developments and
\nreporting on criticism hurled at Indonesia abroad, but be more
\nassertive and proactive. In short, besides their more
\nconventional duties of observing, analyzing and reporting
\ndevelopments, Indonesian diplomats should also sharpen their
\nability to inform the world of Indonesia's position in the face
\nof increased global challenges.<\/p>\n
Complaints, regarding what is widely perceived as a lack of
\neffectiveness on the part of Indonesian diplomatic missions
\nabroad, are actually nothing new. Criticism of this kind has
\nalready been voiced repeatedly by legislators in the House of
\nRepresentatives and by media analysts. And, no doubt, the same
\nthought has even occurred, often enough, to many of us, ordinary
\ncitizens.<\/p>\n
What makes the above-mentioned critique rather extraordinary
\nis the fact that it was voiced by none other than our Minister of
\nForeign Affairs Ali Alatas, the number-one man responsible for
\nthe course and quality of Indonesian diplomacy abroad.<\/p>\n
In remarks made last week, Alatas encouraged new approaches,
\nthat would develop arguments and ideas to rebuff accusations
\ncoming from abroad. \"In other words,\" Alatas said, \"a more
\nassertive and proactive attitude is demanded from our diplomacy,
\nby leaving behind our habit of remaining silent, and by avoiding
\ndefensive, reactive diplomacy.\"<\/p>\n
In a further elaboration, given by way of illustration on
\nMonday, Alatas put his finger on one particular subject: that of
\nEast Timor. \"If there are unfavorable things written about
\nIndonesia on the issue of East Timor, don't (Indonesian
\ndiplomats) just report on it, but respond to it right away, by
\nforwarding a counter,\" he said.<\/p>\n
However, as Alatas himself was quick to admit, certain
\nattitudes are hard to change, especially since keeping silent may
\nbe more than a habit, acquired from years and decades of
\npractice. Cultural considerations could also play a part, as
\nwitnessed by the popular Javanese saying becik ketitik, ala
\nketoro -- whatever you do, good or bad, people will eventually
\nfind out.<\/p>\n
Clearly, remaining passive and silent is hardly the answer to
\nthe challenges faced in a world in which information flows more
\nand more freely across national boundaries. A more assertive
\nstance is needed to balance the adverse information that is being
\ndisseminated against Indonesia abroad.<\/p>\n
How to address the situation? We believe that proper training
\nand education would be a most appropriate way to change the
\ncurrent attitude of passiveness. In addition, the possibility
\nshould not be overlooked that the general atmosphere currently
\nprevailing in government bureaucracy is not very conducive to
\nencouraging initiative among lower-echelon officers. After all,
\nit is true that this attitude of passiveness does not only exists
\namong our diplomats.<\/p>\n
Ali Alatas's personal rebuffs and responses of negative
\nforeign publicity so far are, of course, widely appreciated. But
\nperhaps, if the foreign minister wants to see things going as
\ndesired, without him having to \"keep pushing our diplomats to
\nbecome more active\", he could help by avoiding giving the
\nimpression of he himself conducting a one-man show at the top.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ali-alatass-complaint-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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