RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - International relations scholar Dinna Prapto Raharja has called on Indonesia to recalibrate its diplomacy by maximizing diverse cooperation platforms, stressing that the country must remain globally relevant while championing the spirit of multilateralism.

Speaking on the occasion of the UN’s International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace on Friday, April 24, 2026, Dinna emphasized that Indonesia’s diplomatic approach should deliver tangible outcomes rather than remain symbolic.

One of her proposals is to empower diplomats and ambassadors to provide fresh insights into existing and emerging multilateral pathways, including defining Indonesia’s position, methods, and objectives in global engagement.

A Ph.D. in political science specializing in comparative politics and international political economy, she underscored that multilateral diplomacy is vital to safeguarding a cooperative-based global order, particularly amid growing uncertainty driven by major power rivalries and the responses of other states.

“Multilateralism offers assurance that dialogue, consensus, and solutions to differences and suspicions will be prioritized through diplomacy,” said Dinna, who currently serves as an Associate Professor of International Relations at BINUS University, as quoted bu Antara.

Dinna further highlighted that Indonesia’s long-standing bebas-aktif (independent and active) foreign policy principle requires the country to make independent international decisions free from pressure by major powers.

“We must uphold the courage that our foreign policy is about advancing social justice, peace through diplomacy, protecting humanity and human rights, and serving as a genuine example of democracy,” she noted.

She stressed the importance of continuity between presidential-level diplomacy and its implementation by diplomats on the ground, including concrete steps in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, ASEAN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and BRICS.

Beyond established platforms, Indonesia should also explore participation in emerging multilateral initiatives, such as potential coalitions to safeguard security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Dinna pointed to opportunities for Indonesia to expand bilateral partnerships into multilateral cooperation, particularly in critical sectors like energy, food, and trade, to strengthen its global role. ***