Indonesian Cultural Diplomacy Towards Vanuatu: Review of the 7th Melanesian Arts and Festival (MacFest) 2023 in Port Vila Vanuatu

Abstract

This study aims to First provide an overview of how the relationship between Indonesia and Vanuatu has been so far; Second, Analyze the relationship between the two countries and the obstacles and prospects obtained in the cooperation between the two countries; and third objective is to illustrate the importance of cultural diplomacy carried out in strengthening relations between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific region. This research was conducted using the Qualitative research method, which describes the object under study by collecting direct or primary data by being an active participant in the 2023 Melanesian Arts and Festival activities in Port Villa, Vanuatu, as well as indirect data through library sources, laws, and regulations as well as through internet media. The data obtained is then processed using the triangulation method, which is tested for correctness of the data several times to be filtered and used as valid data. The output of this study found that the importance of cultural diplomacy built by Indonesia and Vanuatu as countries in the Indo-Pacific Region with populations also from Melanesia became a strong foundation for good relations between these two countries and minimized conflicts that might occur due to issues built by two countries in the country, one of which was the issue of human rights violations due to the independent Papuan separatist movement.