IR for Business Academy 3.0: Why Understanding the World Matters for Future Business Leader with Donna Priadi

Donna Priadi, Managing Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia (AmCham Indonesia), speaks at the final session of International Relations for Business Academy 3.0, moderated by Michael Tomasoa of Foreign Policy Talks. (Photo: Foreign Policy Talks)

The final session of the International Relations for Business Academy 3.0 featured Donna Priadi, Managing Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia (AmCham Indonesia), who shared insights into government relations, business advocacy, Indonesia’s investment climate, and the competencies needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected global economy. Moderated by Michael Tomasoa from Foreign Policy Talks, the session served as the closing discussion of the academy’s third edition, bringing together practical lessons from the intersection of business, public policy, and international relations.

Drawing on her professional journey from IT Architecture to Government Relations, Corporate Communications, Public Relations, and business advocacy, Donna reflected on the value of embracing diverse career paths. She encouraged participants to view career transitions not as setbacks but as opportunities to develop transferable skills, broader perspectives, and greater adaptability. Throughout the discussion, she emphasized that authenticity, professionalism, and integrity remain essential qualities regardless of one’s career trajectory.

The conversation then explored the role of AmCham Indonesia as a bridge between American businesses and the Indonesian government. Rather than pursuing confrontational advocacy, Donna explained that the organization prioritizes constructive engagement by aligning business interests with Indonesia’s national development priorities. The discussion also examined Indonesia’s investment climate, acknowledging persistent challenges such as regulatory inconsistencies, bureaucratic complexity, and policy uncertainty while highlighting the country’s long term attractiveness due to its demographic advantages, growing consumer market, and economic potential.

During the interactive discussion, participants explored the importance of government communication, trust building, media literacy, and the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in professional life. Donna stressed that effective government relations depend on empathy, strategic communication, and identifying mutually beneficial solutions, while investor confidence ultimately relies on transparent policymaking and consistent implementation. She also encouraged students to critically evaluate information, maintain a responsible digital presence, and use Artificial Intelligence as a tool to strengthen analytical thinking rather than replace it.

The session concluded with reflections on the competencies required for future leaders navigating an increasingly complex global environment. Donna highlighted the importance of curiosity, the ability to understand complexity, effective communication, adaptability, and authenticity alongside commercial awareness, professionalism, and integrity. As the concluding session of the International Relations for Business Academy 3.0, the discussion reinforced the academy’s central message that international relations graduates possess valuable skills that extend well beyond diplomacy, enabling them to contribute meaningfully across business, government, and the broader global economy.

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