Indonesian Journal of Global Discourse

Analysis of South Korea’s Foreign Policy: “New Southern Policy Plus” in ASEAN During the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2021)

2023-10-27T08:56:20+00:00

This study aims to analyze the implementation of South Korea’s foreign policy, the New Southern Policy Plus (NSP Plus), in ASEAN during the COVID-19 pandemic from November 2020 to December 2021. The study finds that the motives behind the launch of NSP Plus were influenced by both domestic and international factors, including emerging global crises or issues, the socio-economic conditions of society, government structure and accountability, as well as the personal backgrounds and perspectives of decision-makers. Additionally, the implementation of NSP Plus involved adjustments in South Korea-ASEAN cooperation to address the health and socio-economic challenges arising from the pandemic. This research employs the concepts of foreign policy and international cooperation to answer the research question, as both frameworks effectively explain the policy’s implementation. The findings indicate that the launch of NSP Plus was South Korea’s strategic move to sustain and strengthen its cooperation with ASEAN, which had been previously established through the New Southern Policy (NSP). This is evident in the continued adherence to the three community pillars—People, Peace, and Prosperity. Furthermore, South Korea-ASEAN cooperation within the framework of NSP Plus follows an absolute gain approach, with a particular focus on health and economic partnerships.

Indonesia’s Acceptance of The International Monetary Fund’s Letter of Intent (1997-1998)

2025-02-17T15:21:58+00:00

This thesis explores why Indonesia accepted the conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its Letter of Intent during the 1997–1998 financial crisis. Using foreign policy theory, particularly the concepts of autonomy and welfare, this study examines the difficult choices Indonesia faced in navigating the crisis. A qualitative approach, primarily based on literature review, is used to analyze the government’s decision-making process. The findings reveal that the 1997–1998 crisis placed Indonesia in an urgent financial situation, forcing the government to seek assistance from the IMF to stabilize the economy and safeguard public welfare. However, this aid came with strict conditions, requiring Indonesia to implement economic reforms dictated by the IMF. As a result, the country had to compromise its policy autonomy, accepting external influence over key economic decisions. This study sheds light on the dilemma Indonesia faced: balancing the urgent need for economic recovery with the long-term implications of reduced sovereignty in policymaking. It also provides insights into how financial crises push nations into difficult negotiations with international institutions. By understanding Indonesia’s experience, this research contributes to broader discussions on the complex relationship between economic stability and national autonomy, particularly for developing countries in times of crisis.

Unicef Humanitarian Aid For Childrens Affected By Famine And Malnutrition In Yemen Conflict

2023-03-26T08:54:14+00:00

Since 2014, the ongoing civil war in Yemen has resulted in a food crisis. About 20 million Yemenis are starving and 2 million of them are children. This article aims to lay out the situation of children's food security in Yemen and UNICEF's humanitarian assistance program in addressing the hunger and malnutrition experienced by Yemeni children due to the Yemen conflict. The concepts used to analyze are conflict, food security, and humanitarian assistance. The method used is qualitative with data collection techniques in the form of archival and document-based research and internet-based research. This article found that UNICEF has undertaken humanitarian assistance programs to address the hunger and malnutrition crisis caused by the civil war in Yemen. UNICEF works closely with local parties such as the Yemeni government and various international humanitarian organizations. UNICEF humanitarian assistance, includes: providing food supplies, medicines, vitamins and the construction of health centers.