2019/07/12 by Matthew Isaac Cohen · 1 citation
Social Sciences · #Art #Asian Studies and History #Charisma #Dance #Diplomacy #Indonesian #Law #Ministry of Foreign Affairs #Performing arts #Political science #The arts #Visual arts
paper · pdf · doi:10.1163/22134379-17502022
openalex publication_date 2019/07/12 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Abstract Sukarno took a personal interest in using the arts for presenting Indonesia in a positive light. He oversaw cultural missions abroad and produced ‘cultural events’ that showed off his grace and charisma on the dance floor to overseas guests. While Soeharto showed little interest in the arts, new modes of arts diplomacy flourished during the New Order—scholarships for foreigners to study arts, artists in residence at Indonesian embassies, large-scale festivals aiming to facilitate artistic exchange and encourage foreign investments, to name but a few. In Indonesia today, arts diplomacy is represented by its own sub-directorate in the Ministry of Education and Culture. Indonesia is promoting itself through collaborations between Indonesian governmental agencies and professional, international producing bodies, galleries, and festivals. Cultural Houses are being built in key cities abroad, along with a nationwide platform for international festivals, Indonesiana. ‘Indonesianists’, including foreign academics and students of the arts, are being recruited to promote Indonesia abroad.