By Djoko Subinarto, alumnus of the Department of International Relations, Padjadjaran University.
The 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) was held in Davos, January 19-23. The mountain town in eastern Switzerland was once again bustling with big ideas, promises of cooperation, and a sense of optimism.
Indonesia returned to the WEF this year. Of course, Indonesia's presence was no coincidence, but rather a deliberately cultivated habit. The 2026 WEF in Davos marked Indonesia's consistency in interpreting economic diplomacy as a long-term process, not just a seasonal agenda.
Indonesia came to the WEF not simply to ensure its name was on the participant list. It conveyed a message that Indonesia wanted to be seen, heard, and involved.
In an increasingly fragmented world, consistency is actually a plus. Many countries arrive when conditions are favorable, then disappear when conditions become unfavorable. Indonesia chose to remain present, continue to speak, and maintain a space for dialogue.
To date, many developing countries have been trapped in a classic role: becoming a destination for capital, and then that's it. Investors arrive, build factories, reap the profits, and the relationship ends there.
Indonesia doesn't seem to want to fall into that trap. Investment remains important, but it doesn't want to play a passive role. There's a desire to participate in shaping the shared agenda, not simply be a recipient of decisions.
The Right Time
This year, the WEF theme is "A Spirit of Dialogue." This theme comes at an opportune time. The world is filled with suspicion, geopolitics is at odds, and the global economy seems to be entering a foggy path. In a situation like this, dialogue is no longer just lip service, but a necessity.
Indonesia read this momentum clearly and chose to actively participate in Davos. This is where the term "strategic partner" takes on new meaning: it's not just about money coming in, but about a recognized role.
Indonesia's presence, with its "Indonesia Incorporated" approach, is affirmative. The state and the business world are working together. What's being offered isn't the voice of one institution, but rather a shared stance as a nation.
At the same time, the presence of the Indonesia Pavilion, with its "Endless Horizons" theme, is also not without purpose. It aims to demonstrate that Indonesia is not a one-off story. There are many doors that can be opened, from downstreaming to the green economy.
However, Davos is not simply an ordinary project exhibition. What's being tested there isn't just proposals, but credibility. The global community is more interested in consistency than jargon. This is where the real challenge lies.
Economic diplomacy isn't about feeling the most prepared or the most correct. What's more important is demonstrating that action is being taken. And that direction is clear: forward, not backward.
One of Indonesia's main assets is stability. In a world prone to turmoil, stability is a rare commodity. And Indonesia has that reputation, even if it often doesn't realize it.
However, stability alone isn't enough to elevate Indonesia. The world is now looking not only for a safe haven for capital, but also for partners with whom it can think, partners with a long-term vision, not just space and resources.
This is where the meaning of being a co-creator of global solutions finds its context. Indonesia can offer not only security, but also a readiness to share the burden. From energy transitions and food security to improving more humane supply chains. This role is certainly not easy, but that's precisely where its value lies.
The Most Trusted
Joseph Nye, a political and international relations expert from Harvard University and author of The Future of Power (2011), defines the concept of soft power as the ability to influence through attraction, not pressure. And the WEF Davos is a very real soft power stage. The strongest are not the most powerful, but the most trusted.
Indonesia is trying to play soft power in its own way. Through dialogue, moderation, and a non-confrontational approach. Not always spectacular, but relatively consistent.
And the Indonesia Night event held on the sidelines of the WEF Davos was part of this soft power strategy. This event wasn't positioned as merely a ceremonial reception. It was designed as a more fluid meeting space, where conversations could flow without the pressure of an official agenda.
In such a space, relationships often grow more naturally. Not everything has to be discussed through a podium and scripted speeches. In fact, it's amidst music and casual conversation that trust often begins to build.
This is where culture plays its role. It's not just an accompaniment to events, but a medium of communication. Music and dance become a shared language that transcends barriers of formality and interests.
Through this approach, Indonesia wants to appear more human. Not a country that only talks about numbers, incentives, and regulations, but rather a partner that can be invited to understand the context, values, and direction of long-term cooperation.
Interestingly, the global world has recently grown weary of purely transactional relationships. Many are seeking long-term collaboration. And that opens up wider opportunities for Indonesia.
As a middle power, Indonesia's position is quite unique. It's not too large to arouse suspicion, but also not too small to be ignored.
This middle position actually gives it flexibility. Indonesia can talk to many parties without having to commit itself to a single bloc. That's a very valuable diplomatic asset.
The WEF Davos provides a platform to play this role. Not to take sides, but to bridge. Not to preach, but to offer experience.
Of course, becoming a strategic partner cannot be built in just one forum. This means that consistency and continuity after Davos will be crucial.
Forums like Davos are essentially meeting points. Their value goes beyond discussions and meetings. The real challenge lies in follow-up, when commitments are tested through real implementation and their impact on the economy and the environment.
If that follow-up is successful, Indonesia's presence at Davos will no longer be merely an annual routine. It will become a valuable diplomatic investment.
Global reputations aren't built on fleeting sensations. A country that is stable and doesn't change direction frequently is more easily trusted. And that trust is the key to cooperation.
If consistency can be maintained, Indonesia has the opportunity to be seen as more than just a large market. It can also be seen as a strategic partner capable of thinking and working together to find global solutions.
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