Abstract:
This research explores film diplomacy, examining how South Korea and Japan use
contrasting strategies in Indonesia. Both countries, known as cultural powers,
understand the potential of film for cultural exchange and the spread of soft power.
This study explores their different methods, taking into account historical context,
political actors, and the role of film festivals. South Korea and Japan both use
government-facilitated entities, The Korea Foundation and The Japan Foundation,
to drive their film diplomacy efforts. However, their strategies differ significantly.
South Korea uses a multi-faceted approach, encompassing movies, TV dramas, and
music, extending its reach beyond Indonesia. In contrast, Japan emphasizes more
on Japanese cinema, appealing to Indonesians' preference for international films.
The transformation of the film industry is another key difference. South Korea
underwent a major government-backed turnover in the 1990s, which laid the
foundation for its highly influential film diplomacy. In contrast, the Japanese film
industry in Indonesia developed with less state involvement, and relied on the
appeal of Japanese films. Both countries share a commitment to technical
capabilities, enticing Indonesian audiences with unique stories and advanced
filmmaking technologies. The findings underscore the different strategies, historical
contexts and diplomatic priorities that shaped their approaches, highlighting the
