JAKARTA – Maritime sovereignty must be articulated, not just preserved, in order to build public awareness and support, said the director general of information and public diplomacy at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Heru Hartanto Subolo.
He made the statement during the event “Public Diplomacy Goes to Campus” and the screening of the film “12 Mile: Guiding the Archipelago” organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in conjunction with Diponegoro University at Gedung ICT UNDIP, Semarang, on Tuesday.
The activities focus on maritime diplomacy based on soft power to strengthen Indonesian sovereignty and marine rights.
This also promotes political literacy among students. The emphasis is on the role of the state in maintaining sovereignty, maritime region stability, and sustainable use of the sea in the national interest.
The Vice-Rector of Diponegoro University, in his opening speech, highlighted the strategic role of universities in supporting Indonesian maritime diplomacy by enhancing human resource capacities, developing research and innovation, contributing academically to global narrative construction, and strengthening Indonesia’s position at the international level.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this activity reflects the primary message of the Foreign Minister’s Annual Press Statement (PPTM) 2026, Indonesian diplomacy as part of national interest.
Dialogue and film screening at UNDIP, Semarang. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
The activity featured speakers from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the director general of information and public diplomacy, as well as the coordinator of maritime and land functions, the legal director, and sovereignty agreements.
As the largest archipelagic country, maritime diplomacy is a strategic instrument for enhancing national resilience and global connectivity.
“Maritime sovereignty is not just preserved, but must also be expressed to build public awareness and support,” said Deputy Heru, as quoted in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (8/4).
Universities play an important role in shaping Indonesia’s global narrative through research, innovation, and education.
Diponegoro University itself serves as a maritime research center that encourages international collaboration and the development of superior human resources.
Students and faculty are encouraged to become current and future diplomacy actors. Their participation is crucial for building an image of Indonesia that is better understood, welcomed, and respected worldwide.
Meanwhile, the documentary “12 Mile: Guiding the Archipelago” highlights Professor Mochtar Kusumaatmadja’s struggle to defend the concept of an archipelagic state until it was recognized in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The discussion with the film producer enhanced participants’ understanding of the relevance of the archipelagic state concept for Indonesia today.
This activity strengthens public diplomacy based on education and collaboration. In the future, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to encourage youth participation in strengthening Indonesia’s strategic narrative globally.
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