DJKI: Indonesian Representatives Abroad Play Key Role in Safeguarding Intellectual Property
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI) of the Ministry of Law has emphasised that synergy with Indonesian representatives abroad is a vital component in expanding the reach of intellectual property (IP) protection.
Director General of IP Hermansyah Siregar, in a statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday, stated that ambassadors do not only serve as diplomats but also as drivers of economic diplomacy, ensuring that Indonesian IP-based products are recognised and protected in international markets.
“We view the role of Indonesian representatives abroad as highly strategic in broadening the scope of IP protection for Indonesia. Through targeted diplomacy, national flagship products are not only recognised but also legally protected in partner countries,” said Hermansyah.
Through diplomatic activities such as exhibitions, cultural promotions, and international forums, Indonesian flagship products, including geographical indications like coffee, batik, and regional commodities, can be widely introduced while strengthening their legal position.
Therefore, Hermansyah stressed that DJKI continues to maintain close coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Indonesian Embassies (KBRI) to ensure that IP issues are handled comprehensively.
In addition to serving as a promotional medium, KBRI also functions as a gateway for information, bridging communication between DJKI and stakeholders abroad, including matters related to IP protection systems and law enforcement.
“This enables faster and more accurate responses to various issues that arise at the global level,” he added.
Director of Cooperation, Empowerment, and Education at DJKI Yasmon added that the international cooperation conducted by DJKI with Indonesian representatives also opens up market opportunities while minimising the risk of IP misuse by other parties.
He believes that close cooperation between DJKI and Indonesian representatives abroad is key to addressing global dynamics in the field of intellectual property.
“This coordination ensures that every development in international policies can be responded to appropriately, while prioritising Indonesian interests,” said Yasmon.
In practice, DJKI, together with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Indonesia (PTRI) in Geneva, actively participates in various global forums, including sessions of the World Intellectual Property Organization General Assembly.
According to him, this involvement is part of Indonesia’s IP diplomacy strategy to advocate for national interests at bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels.
Nevertheless, DJKI acknowledges that challenges in IP protection in the global market remain significant, including the territorial principle that requires protection in each country, differences in legal systems, and limited understanding among business actors, particularly SMEs.
At this level, the role of diplomacy through Indonesian representatives is deemed important to bridge these differences.
As a preventive measure, DJKI urges business actors, inventors, and local communities to be more proactive in protecting their IP assets, both through national and international registrations, such as the Madrid system for trademarks and the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for patents.
“In addition, understanding the IP protection systems in export destination countries is also crucial,” Yasmon added.
DJKI asserts that IP protection not only provides legal certainty but also creates significant economic added value.
With strong synergy between the government, Indonesian representatives abroad, and business actors, Indonesian IP is expected to become a sustainable engine for the national economy.