Business in Diplomacy

Business in Diplomacy is a Foreign Policy Talks series that highlights the experiences, insights, and perspectives of prominent Indonesian business leaders who have actively contributed to Indonesia’s economic and commercial diplomacy across the globe.

Through their stories, we aim to explore how Indonesia is perceived internationally, how diplomacy influences business opportunities and competitiveness, and how economic diplomacy translates into tangible outcomes from the perspective of those operating on the frontlines of trade, investment, and international business. Their experiences offer valuable lessons on the intersection between foreign policy and business, and how both can work together to advance Indonesia’s interests.

Explore the Series

Business in Diplomacy: Catharina Widjaja

As CEO of Alun Alun Indonesia and a business leader at the intersection of retail, investment, and economic engagement, Catharina Widjaja offers a grounded, private-sector perspective on what it takes to turn diplomatic frameworks into real business outcomes. In this conversation, she reflects on Indonesia's growing appeal to international investors, the regulatory gaps that still hold the country back, and why the true measure of diplomacy is not how many MoUs are signed — b

Business in Diplomacy: H.E. Gandi Sulistiyanto Soeherman

As an Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea (2021–2023) and Former Managing Director of Sinar Mas (2002-2021), H.E. Gandi Sulistiyanto Soeherman has seen economic diplomacy from both sides of the table. In this conversation, he reflects on how Indonesia's story has shifted from commodity exporter to critical supply chain player, why execution matters more than ambition, and what it truly means for diplomacy to return home.

Business in Diplomacy: Shinta W. Kamdani

As Chairwoman of the Indonesian Employers' Association (APINDO), Shinta Kamdani has spent years operating at the intersection of business and foreign policy — from steering the B20 during Indonesia's G20 Presidency to mediating critical moments in the IEU-CEPA negotiations. In this conversation, she reflects on what it means to be a "business diplomat", how international perceptions of Indonesia have shifted, and why the real work of economic diplomacy rarely makes the headli