DIPLOMASI PERTAHANAN MELALUI KERJA SAMA KEAMANAN VVIP: PERAN PASPAMPRES DALAM HUBUNGAN PERTAHANAN INDONESIA–KOREA SELATAN PERIODE 2019–2023

Abstract

This study examines the contribution of the Indonesian Presidential Security Force (Paspampres) as an instrument of Indonesia’s defence diplomacy within the framework of VVIP security cooperation with the Presidential Security Service (PSS) of South Korea during the 2019–2023 period. The background of this research stems from the increasing intensity of bilateral defence relations between Indonesia and South Korea, which not only encompass conventional military dimensions but also extend to the domain of head-of-state security as an arena of non-combat military diplomacy. The objective of this study is to analyze in depth the roles, mechanisms, and outcomes of defence diplomacy generated through joint exercises between Paspampres and the PSS. This research employs a qualitative descriptive-analytical approach, with data collected through library research and internet-based research, and analyzed using Gindarsah’s (2015) defence diplomacy framework, which consists of three main indicators: confidence building, capacity building, and defence cooperation.

The findings reveal that the contribution of Paspampres to defence diplomacy is layered and multidimensional, being most dominant at the bilateral technical-operational level, fairly significant within the global context and diplomatic outcomes, and supportive at the ASEAN regional level. The joint exercises with the PSS during 2019–2023 were proven to generate strategic trust, enhance the institutional capacity of Paspampres, strengthen bilateral relations, and improve Indonesia’s international reputation. This study confirms that modern defence diplomacy can be effectively carried out by elite non-combat units as strategic instruments for building sustainable interstate relations.