Indonesia Emas 2045 is not merely a target, but rather a demand to make changes. The transformation we are heading towards is not merely economic growth figures but a structural leap towards higher productivity, strengthening global competitiveness, as well as the capacity of the state in facing an increasingly complex world dynamic. But the journey towards 2045 takes place in an unstable global landscape.
The world today is marked by geopolitical fragmentation, trade protectionism, technology rivalry, to shifts in international supply chains changing the way countries build power. In a landscape like this, national resilience is not only determined by domestic resources but also by the ability to manage global networks strategically. This is where the urgency of building what can be referred to as the Networked State of Indonesia lies, a model of state that is not only strong within but also connected and strategically managed beyond its territorial borders.
Networked State and Diaspora
In international relations theory, the concept of complex interdependence explains that relations between countries are increasingly influenced by cross-border networks and non-state actors. In this context, diaspora is not merely a community of citizens abroad. They are strategic nodes in Indonesia's global network, part of the state's non-territorial infrastructure, economic, knowledge, and innovation networks that can strengthen economic diplomacy as well as national resilience.
More than eight million Indonesian diaspora are spread across various parts of the world. Remittances reaching around USD 14–15 billion (Rp 220 trillion) per year show the real contribution of the diaspora to the national economy. In reality, the strategic value of the diaspora far exceeds that figure. The greatest potential lies in market access, investment networks, technology transfer, as well as the role as a connector in the global economic ecosystem.
Within the framework of economic statecraft, economic instruments are used to strengthen the strategic position of the state. The diaspora is in a unique position to bridge national interests with global opportunities. They understand two ecosystems at once, Indonesia and the country where they are active. If managed systemically, the diaspora can become an investment lever, a facilitator of value-added exports, as well as a catalyst for knowledge and innovation transfer. This is the strategic dimension that needs to be placed in the development architecture towards 2045.
National Resilience in the Era of Interdependence
National resilience now does not only speak of political stability or security defense. Currently national resilience encompasses economic stability, availability of market access, the ability to adapt to global regulations, as well as mastery of technology. In situations of supply chain disruption or trade tensions, diaspora networks can function as a resilience network. They open alternative access, provide strategic information, and strengthen economic diplomacy based on professional relationships.
However, this global connectivity must still be grounded in the normative principles of national interest. The Constitution affirms that the economy is arranged for the greatest prosperity of the people. Therefore, strengthening global networks must lead to an increase in the added value of national industry, job creation, and strengthening of domestic technology capacity. Connectivity is not the final goal, but rather an instrument for welfare.
Overcoming Fragmentation, Building Architecture
Great potential without integrated governance will produce limited impact. Diaspora management intersects with immigration, investment, employment, education, innovation, to diplomacy. An approach that runs ego-sectorally risks breaking up policy energy in administrative silos.
Towards Indonesia Emas 2045, what is needed is an integrated policy architecture becoming a national coordination framework that aligns various state instruments in one strategic design. This restructuring covers at least three things.
First, data and service integration through a unified digital platform that makes it easy for the diaspora to access investment, licensing, and business facilitation simply and transparently. Second, cross-ministerial policy alignment with national priority sectors such as digital transformation, industrial downstreaming, renewable energy, health, and the creative economy, so that diaspora contributions directly support the development agenda. Third, a performance-based evaluation system that is measurable and accountable so that the impact of policies can be assessed objectively and felt broadly by the community. This governance restructuring is not merely an administrative improvement. It is part of strengthening the state's capacity to manage global interdependence strategically.
The Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs last November launched the Global Citizen of Indonesia policy which is an initial step to realize the implementation of diaspora management in a structured manner. Beginning with making it easier for the diaspora to enter and stay in Indonesia just like Indonesian citizens, which is followed by better diaspora management together by several ministries and institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Manpower. This policy is also an initial solution from the Government to the demands for Dual Citizenship status.
Towards a Connected and Resilient State
The Networked State of Indonesia does not mean a state that loses sovereignty, but rather a state that is able to manage connectivity. A strong state is not only measured by what is within its territorial borders, but also by its ability to optimize global networks in a directed manner and oriented towards national interests. The diaspora is one important node in that architecture. If managed systemically, transparently, and based on performance then the diaspora can become a strengthener of economic diplomacy as well as a pillar of national resilience.
Towards 2045, our challenge is not merely to expand connectivity but to ensure that this connectivity is integrated in an adaptive and competitive state design. That is where the Networked State of Indonesia finds its relevance as a policy foundation that bridges national roots with global networks firmly and sustainably.
Silmy Karim
Vice Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs
