INDONESIA EDUCATION DIPLOMACY: CASE STUDY OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DEVELOPING COUNTRY PARTNERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM IN THE INDONESIAN EMBASSY IN SENEGAL 2021 – 2024

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.