Indonesia-China Public Diplomacy During Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's Administration(2004-2014): An Appraisal

Based on my own experiences,living in China and working in diplomacy issue;I realize that public diplomacy is not only a tool to educate and change the perception of people from foreign countries but also to its people.Based on what I see and experience,there is still a misperception that many Indonesians see China as a threat in ideology issue.In contrary,many of Chinese do not know a lot about Indonesia,but May 1998 riots.Besides,some of Chinese are mixed up between Indonesia and India because of the translation in Hanzi.Thus,my thesis broadens and deepens our understanding of the significant role of public diplomacy in enhancing Indonesia-China relations.It reviews how people to people contact,cultural and educational exchanges as the elements of public diplomacy has contributed to building trust,mutual understanding and given great impact to strengthen diplomatic relations between two countries.In this regard,I have chosen Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's Public Diplomacy towards China during terms(2004-2014)as a case to analyze.In Chapter 1,I introduce the frames of reference that guided my research,set my research within the literature stream and arrange the substance of my argument to answer the research question why Indonesia adopted public diplomacy in strengthening Indonesia-China relations during Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's administration.For the theoretical work,I use the concept of public diplomacy from numerous scholars and practitioners.The public diplomacy is one of super power's key instruments that used by a country to influence not only foreign public's attitude and opinion,but also it's own public to promote the national interests.In Chapter 2,I present narratives of the history of Indonesia-China relations.I divide into two parts: Firstly,Indonesia-China relations during Soekarno to postSoeharto's era that explain about the up and down of Indonesia relations.Part one divided into three sub topics,namely Indonesia-China Relations during Soekarno's era;Indonesia-China;and Indonesia-China relations post-Soeharto.The second part of this chapter is the analysis of the historical influences in Indonesia-China relations.This part discuss about how the influences of history to Indonesia-China relations.I have decided to put the historical background of Indonesia – China relations on this thesis because this part is a very crucial element in influencing SBY's decision to adopt public diplomacy in strengthening Indonesia – China relations.It aims to show readers the necessity to adopt public diplomacy in Indonesia foreign policy towards China.In Chapter 3,I explain about Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's public diplomacy towards China.I discuss SBY's policy and initiatives to enhance Indonesia-China relations.In this regard,the development of public diplomacy's action will be taken in.This chapter,I divided into two parts,the SBY's policy change on China and SBY's public diplomacy initiatives towards China.I also elaborate the part of SBY's public diplomacy initiatives towards China into the people to people contacts and cultural exchanges activities.This chapter describes Indonesia public diplomacy program and how Indonesia corporate with China in educating Indonesian public.For Indonesia,public diplomacy is not only to educate public abroad but also its people.Moreover,the achievement of Indonesia-China to enhance the relations into Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has given a tremendous chance to develop the people to people contacts and socio-cultural exchange.In Chapter 4,I examine how Indonesia has had to adapt its foreign policy to the changing regional dynamics,in particular,the rise of China.I argue that history legacy,domestic and external factors are key elements in shaping SBY's decision to adopt public diplomacy in strengthening Sino – Indonesia relations during His period as Indonesian President from 2004 – 2014.This chapter consist of four discussions: public diplomacy: from theory to practice,history legacy,domestic and external factors.The conclusion summarizes the conducted research;good relations between the government of Indonesia and China also need support from non-state actors.Hence,Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono adopted one of the soft powers,called public diplomacy to create enabling environment to pursue national interests.I also conclude that the outcome of public diplomacy cannot directly seen in the short term.However,it is affordable,easy to adopt and manageable.It is valuable for the long-term relations.The current research will be a valuable addition to works on public diplomacy of Indonesia-China relations.