BHUVANA: Journal of Global Studies

CONSTRAINED PARADIPLOMACY: SOUTH SULAWESI–EHIME SISTER PROVINCE COOPERATION, 2019–2025

Emy Sri Reskiyah, Vivi Pusvitasary — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

In an era of globalization and decentralization, paradiplomacy has emerged as a vital mechanism for subnational governments to navigate international relations. However, the tension between regional autonomy and central oversight remains theoretically and practically underexplored. This study employs a qualitative case study method, using document analysis and semi-structured interviews to examine the sister province partnership between South Sulawesi and Ehime Prefecture. The analysis is grounded in liberal interdependence and constructivist identity-building theories to evaluate the effectiveness of subnational agency within a hierarchical political structure. The results show that while the partnership offers strategic potential in fisheries (technology transfer) and agriculture (the Michi no Eki model), implementation during the 2019–2025 period has been largely normative. Tangible outcomes have been stifled by bureaucratic hurdles, financial asymmetries, and political instability. This study contributes a critical perspective by highlighting potential structural constraints facing subnational diplomacy in Global South.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE TRILATERAL COOPERATIVE ARRANGEMENT (TCA) IN COUNTERING MARITIME TERRORISM BY ABU SAYYAF IN THE SULU SEA

Sarah Shabirah, Amarsya Anggita Putri, Fajar Oktavianto — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (TCA) in addressing maritime terrorism in the Sulu Sea during the 2016–2020 period. The TCA was implemented through the Trilateral Maritime Patrol (TMP), Trilateral Air Patrol (TAP), and Maritime Command Center (MCC). The study employs a qualitative approach through literature review and secondary data analysis. The findings indicate that the TCA was effective in significantly reducing the intensity of attacks through coordinated patrols, intelligence sharing, and an integrated command system. This is reflected in the 94.4 percent decrease in incidents during the research period. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of the arrangement still faces challenges, including jurisdictional limitations, technological disparities, and dependence on the political commitment of each participating country. This study emphasizes that the sustainability and strengthening of multilateral cooperation are essential to building stable and sustainable regional maritime security.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND PEACEBUILDING IN PAPUA: EXAMINING THE ROLE OF SDGS 9 AND 16

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to analyze the role of infrastructure development in supporting the peacebuilding process in Papua, with reference to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 9 and SDG 16. Infrastructure development is strategically important for fostering sustainable peace, as the issues in Papua are not only related to security but are also influenced by development disparities, structural poverty, limited access to basic services, and the marginalization of indigenous communities. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method, utilizing a literature review and secondary data analysis. Johan Galtung’s theoretical framework of peacebuilding is used to understand the relationship between infrastructure development and the concept of positive peace. Research findings indicate that infrastructure development have contributed to improved regional connectivity and economic activity among local communities. However, the impact has not yet translated into corresponding improvements in the well-being and social cohesion of Papuan communities. Therefore, the integration of SDGs 9 and 16 is essential to ensure that infrastructure development is not solely focused on economic growth, but also strengthens social justice, inclusive governance, and trust in state institutions as the foundation for sustainable peacebuilding.

INDONESIA–NORWAY COOPERATION IN REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS IN INDONESIA UNDER THE REDD+ SCHEME, 2016–2025

Shena Firanti Desfiani, Muhammad Zulham — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study examines the cooperation between Indonesia and Norway in reducing carbon emissions through the implementation of the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) scheme during the period 2016–2025. This research aims to analyze how the Indonesia–Norway REDD+ partnership operates and contributes to emission reduction efforts in the forestry sector. The study employs a qualitative descriptive method, using document analysis of official reports, policy documents, and secondary literature related to REDD+ implementation. The analysis is framed by Green Theory and international cooperation theory to understand environmental diplomacy and shared responsibility between developed and developing countries. The findings indicate that the result-based contribution (RBC) mechanism plays a crucial role in strengthening forest governance, enhancing transparency through the Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system, and encouraging policy consistency in reducing deforestation. The study concludes that the Indonesia–Norway REDD+ cooperation represents an effective model of environmental diplomacy that aligns climate mitigation objectives with sustainable development goals.

CHINA’S SECURITY DIPLOMACY IN THE MIDDLE EAST: A GLOBAL POWER POLITICS PERSPECTIVE

Yulia Rimapradesi, Roy Setiawan — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study analyzes China’s security diplomacy in the Middle East from the perspective of global power politics. The study aims to explain how Beijing’s diplomatic engagement, particularly in conflict mediation and regional stabilization, serves as a strategy for expanding influence amid the redistribution of international power. The study employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytical design based on a literature review, drawing on academic literature, policy documents, and international reports. The findings indicate that China’s security diplomacy does not rely on military intervention, but rather on a non-interventionist approach, multilateral legitimacy, and economic interdependence. The mediation of Saudi-Iranian normalization in 2023 reflects a dual strategy: maintaining energy stability while expanding China’s strategic position in the global contest. However, this increased role remains gradual and has not yet fully replaced the United States security dominance. This study concludes that China’s security diplomacy represents a new form of power politics in the geoeconomic era, in which diplomacy and development serve as the primary instruments in shaping an increasingly multipolar security order.

THE IMPACT OF THE HOSTAGE-TAKING OF CAPTAIN PHILIP MEHRTENS ON INDONESIA–NEW ZEALAND BILATERAL RELATIONS

Melpayanty Sinaga, Apriani Anastasia Amenes — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The objective of this research is to examine the impact of the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and New Zealand (NZ) from 2023 to the present. The selection of this timeframe is due to a hostage-taking incident carried out by Captain Philip Mehrtens, an NZ citizen working as a pilot for Susi Air in Nduga Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province. This hostage-taking was carried out by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) under the leadership of Sebby Sambom. The research method employed is qualitative, utilizing a case study design, and incorporates conflict theory and the concept of bilateral cooperation. The study’s finding is that the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and NZ is characterized by a high degree of resilience, which does not impede cooperation in economic, energy, education, and security domains. These factors, caused by the recognition of the government of NZ for Indonesia’s sovereignty over the Papua region, mutual trust between Indonesia and NZ since 1958, and the release of hostage using a non-military approach involving negotiations with local actors such as religious leaders, customary leaders, and local government.