Ethnic Identity and Cultural Diplomacy of Indian Diaspora in Indonesia

This study examines the role of the Indian diaspora in Indonesia in advancing cultural diplomacy, with a focus on the interplay between ethnic identity, media representation, and cultural integration. The Indian diaspora, historically rooted in regions such as North Sumatra, Aceh, Surabaya, Jakarta, and Bali, has contributed significantly to various sectors, including trade, textiles, manufacturing, and film. However, the community continues to face challenges related to citizenship status, remittances, sociocultural acceptance, and integration within Indonesia’s predominantly Muslim society. Using a qualitative research approach, the study employs semi-structured interviews with key diaspora figures, content analysis of media representations, and policy document review to explore how ethnic identity both facilitates and complicates cultural diplomacy between India and Indonesia. Key findings reveal that while the diaspora acts as an effective conduit for India's soft power and cultural exchange, structural limitations constrain their diplomatic potential, such as exclusion from policy-making, cultural stereotyping, and institutional invisibility. The novelty of this research lies in its focus on the intersection of media, mindset, and diasporic cultural practice as strategic elements in public diplomacy. It argues that recognizing the nuanced role of diaspora identity is vital for fostering inclusive cultural diplomacy and enhancing bilateral relations in multicultural settings like Indonesia.