The role of consulate general in Davao City in strengthening Indonesia identity among the diaspora in Mindanao: An analysis of cultural diplomacy practices

Abstract

Most of the people of Indonesian descent (PIDs) lived in the Mindanao region of the Southern Philippines. they lived there for a long time, which makes them adapt and blend in with the Filipino environment. With assimilation, there is often a gradual loss of Indonesian pride and knowledge. . This article aims to examine the role played by the Indonesian Consulate General in Davao City as the Indonesian government's intangible representative abroad in enhancing the national identity and cultural identity of Person of Indonesian Descent (PIDs) in Mindanao. This article uses grand theory Nasionalism and also will be supported by various findings of previous research data (socio-cultural journals), official websites, and books related to nation and nationalism and also interviews conducted with Ms. Yanti Silalahi, as Consul for Information, Social, and Cultural Functions of the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia Davao City as data reinforcement of this research. The findings show that the programs of the Consulate General in Davao significantly contribute to strengthening the sense of national pride and belonging among the Indonesian diaspora. Through various programs run by the Consulate General in Davao City such as cultural promotion programs, education programs, and community engagement initiatives, the Consulate General acts as a key institution in preserving Indonesia's cultural and national identity.  One of the most impactful programs is the Indonesian School Davao, which is run by the Consulate General of Indonesia Davao to become one of the learning platforms of Indonesian culture for PIDs.