The Involvement of Surabaya and Semarang as Subnational Actors in Diplomacy

The current article aims to gain a deeper understanding of the involvement of the city of Surabaya and the city of Semarang as subnational actors in implementing diplomacy. The role of cities in diplomacy has recently shown greater significance, in terms of both promoting their own potentials and supporting the achievement of national interests. This challenges the assumption that diplomacy is exclusively the work of diplomats and political elites, who are not much associated with the welfare of the people, particularly those at the grassroots level. Cities have a more intimate relationship with the people and serve as a place where problems not only begin but are resolved as well. By using a city diplomacy approach, we analyzed variables of municipal governments in international interactions. The present study employed qualitative case study methodology by collecting secondary data through literature study. Findings of the research show that cities like Surabaya and Semarang have been successful in fostering international cooperation and helping achieve national interests through global partnerships. Surabaya and Semarang municipalities as subnational actors in international relations have leveraged city diplomacy for the sake of improving the prosperity of its local citizens and supporting the development of their city.