INDONESIA FOREIGN POLICY IN RESPONSE TO THE GLOBAL MPOX THREAT
Keywords:
Health Diplomacy, Mpox Clade Ib, Securitization, ASEAN, Public Diplomacy.Abstract
The spread of Mpox Clade Ib in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, underscores the shift of health issues from low politics to high politics, posing a threat to regional resilience. This study aims to analyze Indonesia's foreign policy strategy in addressing the global threat of Mpox Clade Ib through the theoretical frameworks of the Copenhagen School's securitization and Global Health Diplomacy. Employing a descriptive qualitative method based on documentary research and the interactive analysis model by Miles, Huberman, and Saldana, this research examines the integration of defensive border policies, proactive regional diplomacy, and public diplomacy. The findings indicate that Indonesia implemented a measured securitization approach, combining a defensive response through the reactivation of the SATUSEHAT Health Pass without imposing visa restrictions, alongside proactive leadership in ASEAN by optimizing ACPHEED and epidemiological data sharing. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health executed public diplomacy grounded in targeted and non-stigmatizing health communication to educate high-risk populations without triggering social stigma. This comprehensive strategy demonstrates Indonesia's ability to balance national health protection, regional preparedness, and adherence to safe mobility principles in Southeast Asia.
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