Journal of Political Innovation and Analysis

Indonesia's Humanitarian Diplomacy in the Midst of Gaza and Ukraine Crises: Narratives, Challenges, and Soft Power Potentials

Sholahuddin Al-Fatih — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The global humanitarian crises in Gaza and Ukraine have become a test for the diplomatic position of developing countries in the international system. Indonesia, as a country with a strong identity in international solidarity and the principle of free and active foreign policy, plays an interesting role in navigating humanitarian diplomacy. Indonesia's involvement in the Gaza issue shows a commitment based on humanitarian solidarity, while its approach to Ukraine is more neutral and strategic. This context is important to analyze to see the potential of Indonesia's soft power as a moral actor at the global level. This study aims to evaluate the practice of Indonesia's humanitarian diplomacy in two contemporary conflict terrains-Gaza and Ukraine-by examining the narratives built, implementation challenges, and the extent to which it strengthens Indonesia's position in international diplomacy. The approach used is qualitative-descriptive with methods of diplomatic discourse analysis, document study, and observation of government statements, media, and relevant international cooperation. The results show that although Indonesia is consistent in promoting humanitarian and justice values, there are limitations in logistical capabilities, diplomatic access, and direct influence on conflict actors. However, the narratives built in humanitarian diplomacy have increased positive perceptions of Indonesia in the Global South, and opened strategic space in the utilization of soft power in the future, especially in the multilateral realm.

Energy Geopolitics in the Transition Era: Indonesia's Strategy in Creating Energy Security Amidst Global Crisis

Adelia Azzahra — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Global dependence on fossil energy faces serious challenges in the era of energy transition, marked by geopolitical crises such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, oil price volatility and global decarbonization pressures. Indonesia, as a developing country with fossil energy reserves and ambitious targets for the transition to renewable energy, is in a strategic but complex position. Energy security is now a national issue as well as part of international geopolitical strategy. This research aims to analyze Indonesia's strategy in creating energy security amid global dynamics, as well as evaluate the geopolitical implications of the national energy transition policy. This research uses a qualitative approach with a policy study method and analysis of official documents such as Presidential Regulation No. 112 of 2022, the National Energy General Plan (RUEN), as well as IEA and IRENA reports. A geopolitical analysis framework approach was also used to assess Indonesia's position in the global energy supply chain. The results show that Indonesia is developing a dual-track strategy: strengthening domestic energy infrastructure based on renewable energy and expanding energy diplomacy with strategic partners such as China, Japan and the Gulf countries. However, major challenges still exist in the form of investment imbalances, coal dependence, and local political resistance to energy transition projects. Therefore, Indonesia's energy security strategy in the transition era requires synergy between national policies and global geopolitics in an adaptive and collaborative manner.

Identity Politics and Social Fragmentation: A Comparative Study of Indonesia's 2024 Presidential Candidate Campaign Narratives

Muhamad Zaenal Asikin — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The 2024 Indonesian presidential election takes place in an increasingly complex socio-political atmosphere, characterized by the strengthening of identity politics and social fragmentation in the public sphere. Campaign narratives of presidential candidates play a strategic role in shaping public perceptions, building a support base, while paradoxically deepening the polarization of society. This phenomenon raises questions about how identity narratives are constructed and distributed in contemporary political campaigns. This study aims to compare the campaign narratives of three pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates in the 2024 presidential election, focusing on identity issues (religion, ethnicity, social class) and their impact on social fragmentation. This research uses a qualitative approach with Fairclough's critical discourse analysis (AWK) model, as well as triangulation with social media data, official speeches, and campaign team statements. The results showed that the three candidate pairs used different narrative strategies in framing national identity, but simultaneously strengthened social segmentation based on political affiliation, religious symbols, and constructions of morality. Inclusive narratives were often overshadowed by populist rhetoric and "us vs them" imagery that reinforced group identification and weakened social cohesion. This research highlights the need for political literacy and regulation of campaign ethics to prevent continued political exclusivism.

Post-Truth Politics in an Election Year: Digital Disinformation and Political Polarization in Indonesia and the United States

David Bani Adam — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The phenomenon of post-truth politics is increasingly prominent in the context of elections, where emotions and personal beliefs influence public opinion more than objective facts. The 2024 elections in Indonesia and the United States show similar trends, with the rise of digital disinformation and the intensification of political polarization. This article aims to examine how disinformation and digital narrative manipulation become strategic instruments in political contestation in both countries. The research method used is a comparative-qualitative study with a critical discourse analysis (CDA) approach. Data were collected from social media (Twitter/X, Facebook, YouTube), online news archives, and digital campaign documentation during the election period. In addition, text mining was conducted to identify recurring patterns of disinformation narratives. The results showed that in both countries, political actors utilized social media algorithms to spread divisive emotional messages, create echo chambers, and reinforce group identity. In Indonesia, religious and ethnic issues are often exploited, while in the US, ideological polarization between liberal and conservative camps dominates. Both contexts show that disinformation is not just a technical glitch, but part of a deliberate and structured political strategy. This research highlights the urgency of digital literacy policies, algorithmic transparency, and the role of regulators to counter disinformation-based polarization ahead of elections.

Artificial Intelligence Regulation and Political Ethics: An Analysis of Indonesia's Position in AI Governance

Feri Nugroho — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is having far-reaching impacts on global economic, social and political aspects. However, the absence of universal ethical standards and regulatory gaps between developed and developing countries have posed serious challenges to fair and inclusive AI governance. Indonesia as the largest democracy in Southeast Asia is faced with a dilemma: responding to AI opportunities while ensuring ethical sustainability and digital sovereignty. This research aims to analyze Indonesia's normative and practical position in the dynamics of global AI governance, focusing on the regulatory dimension, political ethics, and participation in multilateral forums such as the G20, UNESCO, and ASEAN. A qualitative approach was used with methods of public policy analysis, official document studies (Personal Data Protection Bill, National AI Strategy), and interviews with technology experts and digital diplomats. The results show that Indonesia is still at an early stage in building a comprehensive AI regulatory framework, although it has shown commitment through strengthening its data privacy policy and national AI strategy. However, the absence of AI-specific laws and the lack of active engagement in global ethical governance frameworks are major obstacles in strengthening Indonesia's position as a normative actor at the international level.