Manila, September 4, 2023 - In a bid to deepen their understanding of foreign strategic studies/ "studi strategis luar negeri (SSLN)" and strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and the Philippines, , Major General TNI Dr. Budi Pramono, along with a delegation of 19 other participants from the XXIV Lemhannas RI PPSA (National Resilience Institute), embarked on a 5-day working visit to the Philippines from September 2 to 7, 2023.

The first day of the visit was marked by the arrival of the delegation at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Manila, where the Lemhannas RI PPSA participants were warmly received by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Philippines, Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Agus Widjayanto, who holds full authority for the Philippines.

In his welcoming remarks, Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Agus Widjayanto expressed his warm welcome to the participants of the XXIV Lemhannas RI PPSA in the Philippines and hoped that the visit would make a significant contribution to their understanding of various aspects of the Philippines, including ideology, politics, socio-cultural dynamics, economics, as well as defense and security. Agus also highlighted the importance of diplomatic relations and cooperation between the Philippines and Indonesia in various sectors.

Furthermore, Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Agus Widjayanto provided an explanation regarding the history of the Philippines, the societal situation in the Philippines, as well as the geopolitics of the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific region. Meanwhile, Major General TNI Dr. Budi Pramono, a participant from the XXIV Lemhannas RI PPSA, expressed gratitude for the warm reception received from the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Philippines and his staff.

Dr. Budi Pramono hoped that the visit would provide additional insights for the participants of the XXIV Lemhannas RI PPSA, particularly regarding efforts to build cooperation between Indonesia and the Philippines, as well as the evolving geopolitical situation in the region.

During the 5-day visit, the participants from the XXIV Lemhannas RI PPSA will visit various Filipino ministries and agencies, including the Department Of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department Of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the National Defense College Of The Philippines (NDCP), the Armed Forces Of The Philippines (AFP), the Department Of National Defense (DND), and several other locations. The objective of this visit is to gain a deeper understanding of various aspects of Filipino governance and policies.

Accompanying the delegation is Dr. Pratama, who serves as the Head of the Foreign Strategic Studies Team, as well as several high-ranking officials such as the Logistics Assistant of the Indonesian National Police Inspector General Pol Prabowo Argo and Police Brigadier General Kumbul KS, who currently serves as the Director of Public Relations at the Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK RI).

Dr. Budi Pramono is a prolific author who recently published his book on Leadership: Be A Good Leader in The Global Recession Era through Kindle Direct Publishing on Amazon USA in addition to its availability at the National Library of Indonesia such as the Strategic Leadership book, as well as the EBT Industry Operational Management book and others.

In his book "Leadership: Be A Good Leader in The Global Recession Era," Dr. Budi Pramono discusses the importance of leaders balancing productivity with the emotional well-being of their team members, especially during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic or economic recessions. This section also touches on the factors that can trigger a recession and potential challenges that the Indonesian and global economies may face in 2023.

Here are some key points from this section:

1. Balancing Productivity and Emotional Stability: Effective leaders in the workplace need to strike a balance between maintaining productivity and ensuring the emotional stability of their team members, particularly during challenging times like crises or recessions.

2. Leadership with Soul: This section mentions the concept of "soulful leadership" that can foster a positive and productive work environment while offering guidance and support to team members who may be facing difficulties.

3. Definition of Recession: Recession is described as a sustained and widespread decline in economic activity, characterized by factors such as a decrease in GDP, reduced production and investment, and an increase in unemployment rates.

4. Triggers of Recession: Several factors can trigger a recession, including events like the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions (such as the Russia-Ukraine war), high inflation rates, and rising benchmark interest rates.

5. Global Economic Prospects: This section indicates that the global economy is projected to experience a recession in 2023, given factors such as rising energy prices and benchmark interest rates that can lead to inflation and potential disruptions in the global supply chain.

6. Climate Change as a Challenge: Additionally, climate change is mentioned as a significant challenge that can impact a country's finances, economy, and the well-being of its people. Climate-related events can have wide-ranging economic and social impacts.

Overall, the book underscores the importance of leadership that takes into consideration both the economic and emotional aspects of the team during challenging times, while highlighting several contributing factors to a potential recession in the near future. 

As the author of the recently published book on Foreign Policy Analysis, this visit is expected to strengthen the relationship between Indonesia and the Philippines while expanding the participants' understanding of the political dynamics and geopolitical situation in the Asia-Pacific region.

The book "Foreign Policy in the Era of Global Change" discusses the significant role of foreign policy in facing global changes, with a focus on effective strategies to achieve national interests and advance the country in the ever-changing international arena. The book invites readers to understand the concept of foreign policy, the importance of distinguishing between foreign and domestic policy, as well as the role of cultural diplomacy and public diplomacy in influencing public opinion abroad.

Furthermore, the book delves into current global risks, including energy crises, escalating inflation, cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, as well as challenges such as biodiversity loss, poverty, and global health crises. These issues call for international cooperation and sustainable solutions to address their impacts. The book also explores the influence of American national identity on foreign policy and the controversies surrounding the use of the Wagner Group and sanctions against Russia.

Additionally, the book highlights the significance of fair international cooperation and the appreciation of cultural diversity as part of foreign policy. With its in-depth perspective and understanding of global political dynamics, the book becomes a valuable source of knowledge for policymakers, diplomats, and readers interested in international relations in this complex era of global change. 

As informative content that strengthens our knowledge of diplomacy, let's examine the diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the Philippines, which began on November 24, 1949, and the 2022-2027 Action Plan:

1. Geographical Proximity: Indonesia and the Philippines are situated in the Southeast Asian region, making them geographical neighbors. This geographical proximity plays a significant role in their relations, particularly in terms of trade, cultural exchanges, and regional cooperation.

2. Cultural Affinity: Despite ethnic and linguistic diversity in both countries, there is also a shared Malay culture that has influenced the societies in both nations. Additionally, other cultural influences have shaped unique cultural identities in each country.

3. 75 Years of Diplomatic Relations: In 2024, Indonesia and the Philippines will celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. This is a historic achievement that reflects the long-term commitment of both countries to maintain a strong and mutually beneficial relationship.

4. 2022-2027 Action Plan: The 2022-2027 Action Plan is a significant initiative that sets a timeframe and specific objectives for cooperation between Indonesia and the Philippines. This plan may encompass various sectors, including trade, investment, security, environment, education, and culture. The Action Plan aims to deepen the cooperation between the two countries during this period and enhance the well-being of their citizens.

By celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations and launching the 2022-2027 Action Plan, Indonesia and the Philippines are committed to strengthening their relations across various fields, which will benefit both countries and their societies as a whole. May the good relations between Indonesia and the Philippines continue to thrive and bring positive benefits to both nations.(MA)