THE CULTURAL DIPLOMACY OF GERMANY IN INDONESIA: THE ROLE OF GOETHE-INSTITUT INDONESIEN IN SUPPORTING INDONESIAN SKILLED WORKERS IN GERMANY (2020-2023)

Abstract

Labor shortage across many sectors in Germany forced the country to act quickly to mitigate the worsening situation. Due to the ageing population and unmet expectations of skilled workers in Germany, the shortages of workers need to be addressed. With the skilled immigration act, Germany attracts skilled workers from outside the country, especially third countries, to work and live in Germany as a skilled worker. Indonesia being a country with sufficient education levels, has the potential to produce skilled workers sufficient for Germany’s labor shortages. Through cultural diplomacy, Goethe-Institut Indonesien became one of Germany’s assets in spreading its influence and culture in Indonesia. By becoming the bridge between Germany and Indonesia, Goethe-Institut Indonesien is a sufficient place for potential Indonesian skilled workers to know and prepare for their journey to work and live in Germany in the future. Therefore, to understand the role of Goethe-Institut Indonesien in supporting Indonesian skilled workers in Germany, this research will be focusing on Goethe-Institut Indonesien and one of its programs which is the Pre-Integration Project, which focuses on supporting Indonesian skilled workers. Simon Mark’s theory on cultural diplomacy will be used to understand the nature of Germany’s cultural diplomacy in Indonesia. Understanding the above-mentioned elements, this research found that as a cultural institution, Goethe-Institut Indonesien played a crucial role in supporting Indonesian skilled workers in Germany. Goethe-Institut Indonesien managed to become an institution that affect Indonesian skilled workers life in Germany through language program and preparatory events. It supports Indonesian skilled workers in Germany while also supporting Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act. Goethe-Institut Indonesien as Germany’s cultural diplomacy in Indonesia, is crucial in supporting Indonesian skilled workers in Germany.