Data Repository - Challenges and Opportunities in Higher Education Diplomacy of World Class Universities in Indonesia- Analyzing the Network Environment of Public Diplomacy.pdf

World Class University is a shared ambition among many Universities around the world. This paper aims to investigate Indonesia’s aspiring World Class University, University of Indonesia (UI), challenges and opportunities when conducting public diplomacy. By analyzing the network environment of public diplomacy, this study seeks to shed light on the dynamics and intricacies of diplomatic engagement between Indonesian WCUs and national/international stakeholders. A qualitative approach was used to collect data through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 12 informants of the university leaders. The data was then processed using source triangulation techniques. The results found that University of Indonesia is interwoven within a complex network environment encompassing both domestic stakeholders, such as thegovernment, and foreign stakeholders, namely the government, university, students, and society. In the aspect of exchange programs and partnerships, the Indonesian government supported UI to be recognized as a WCU but is limited by the scope of connections, program flexibility, and social capital. To address this limitation, UI provided scholarships for foreign student mobility to the institution. The findings contribute to an understanding of the complexities involved in leveraging higher education as a diplomatic tool, while also providing insights into the strategies that can enhance Indonesia's position in the global higher education landscape