Abstract:
Indonesia’s educational diplomacy plays an important role in strengthening
international relations, especially through the Developing Country Partnership
Scholarship (KNB). This program, which targets developing countries, such as in
West Africa, facilitates cultural and academic exchanges, builds a positive image of
Indonesia, and creates professional networks. The Indonesian Embassy in Dakar
plays a strategic role in promoting this scholarship to strengthen bilateral relations.
By supporting educational initiatives, Indonesia increases its influence on the
international stage through soft power diplomacy that includes research
collaboration, training, and global development. This study uses qualitative
methods to understand educational diplomacy through the KNB scholarship at the
Indonesian Embassy in Dakar. Primary data were obtained from interviews, while
secondary data came from official documents and literature. Data collection
techniques include documentation and library studies. The analysis used includes
classification, reduction, and interpretation of data to explore deeper meanings from
the information collected, supporting arguments based on theoretical concepts. The
results of this study are that the Indonesian Embassy in Dakar plays an important
role in educational diplomacy through the KNB scholarship program, including
promotion, selection, and support for recipients. This program strengthens
Indonesia’s relations with accredited countries in Africa, building influence through
alumni as informal ambassadors. Despite challenges such as language barriers and
limited resources, the Indonesian Embassy in Dakar continues to increase
institutional and alumni involvement, and align programs with the development
goals of recipient countries. KNB Scholarships strengthen Indonesia's positive
image in the world, promote south-south cooperation, and encourage international
collaboration.
