ROMANIAN GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP FOR INDONESIAN STUDENTS: A CASE STUDY OF PUBLIC DIPLOMACY OF ROMANIA (2021-2024)

Abstract

This study attempted to examine public diplomacy of Romania to foster good perception of Romania towards Indonesian students through Romanian Government Scholarship program by Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This research focuses on the dynamics of the Romanian Government Scholarship from 2021 to 2024, which aims to foster two-way communication, promote mutual understanding, provide personal and unique experiences to each participant, and contribute to nation branding—challenging the existing image of Romania as a former communist country. This program explored as a form of public diplomacy of Romania that seeks to promote a positive perception and to build connection with the Indonesian students. The qualitative method is used to examined the interviews with Indonesian awardees which confirm that their personal experiences led to a more positive understanding of the country, contributing to a favorable national image. This research also showed that Indonesian students as the participants of the scholarship was engaged more with Romanian

cultures and actually could play a role in improving Romania- Indonesia relations.