Jakarta, July 11, 2026 — Diplomacy has become an indispensable aspect of today's interconnected world. Beyond serving as a means of resolving conflicts, diplomacy also broadens our understanding of the cultural and social diversity that shapes nations across the globe. For this reason, it is essential to equip younger generations with broader global perspectives, enabling them not only to become guardians of knowledge but also agents of change through their awareness and appreciation of cross-cultural communication.

In line with this commitment, the Communication Studies Program of Universitas Dian Nusantara (UNDIRA) organized a book discussion and interactive podcast centered on the book Cross-Cultural Communication in Diplomacy, co-authored by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Ukraine, Prof. (Hon) Drs. Arief M. Basalamah, UNDIRA Communication Studies lecturer Dr. Algooth Putranto, and Dr. Dra. Themotia Titi Wedaningsih, M.Si.

Held at UNDIRA's Tanjung Duren Campus in West Jakarta, the event welcomed several distinguished guests, including Bonaficius Riwi Wijayanto, S.E., M.Si., Head of the Functional Position Development Center at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia; Ika Yuniar Wulandari, S.Pd., M.A., Head of the Competency Assessment and Development Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Prof. (Hon) Drs. Arief M. Basalamah, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Ukraine.

Opening the event, the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences at UNDIRA, Dr. Harjono Padmo Putro, S.T., M.Kom., emphasized that in today's global era, success is determined not only by one's ability to present data, but also by the ability to build meaningful communication across cultures.

"Cross-cultural communication enables us to understand different perspectives while strengthening our global outlook. More importantly, it serves as a powerful foundation for diplomacy. In this increasingly interconnected world, students must develop intelligence, empathy, and cultural sensitivity to better appreciate diversity and the values shared among nations. A strong understanding of cross-cultural communication will also enrich students' future careers by creating opportunities for sustainable collaboration and global competitiveness," said Dr. Harjono Padmo Putro.

Following the opening remarks, the discussion continued under the moderation of Rengga Sendiran, M.Hum., a lecturer in the Communication Studies Program and Head of the UNDIRA Library Bureau, who guided the conversation on the growing importance of cross-cultural communication in the modern era.

Responding to the discussion, Prof. Arief Basalamah explained that one of the greatest challenges in initiating cross-cultural communication lies in the existence of social and cultural understanding gaps between countries.

"Fundamentally, the greatest challenge in cross-cultural communication is the gap in socio-cultural understanding between nations. These differences can even be found in basic concepts such as ethics and body language, which are often assumed to be universal but are, in reality, deeply influenced by each culture's unique context," Prof. Arief Basalamah explained.

Sharing a similar perspective, Bonaficius Riwi Wijayanto noted that much of today's international literature discusses diplomacy primarily from business and economic perspectives, limiting broader public understanding of diplomatic practice.

"Whether we realize it or not, building sustainable diplomacy while maintaining a nation's reputation requires more than numerical analysis and theoretical frameworks. The book we are discussing today provides valuable best practices for cross-cultural communication. It encourages readers to understand demographic realities comprehensively in order to grasp the socio-cultural context of different countries while strengthening cultural sensitivity, which ultimately reinforces diplomacy itself," he stated.

Ika Yuniar Wulandari, S.Pd., M.A., further explained that cultural sensitivity in cross-cultural communication can also broaden students' career prospects. According to her, communication is the foundation of diplomacy because it reflects not only an individual's character but also their values and ideology.

"Communication is the baseline of diplomacy, whether at the personal, institutional, or international level. Beyond that, other branches of communication should also be developed, particularly among today's Generation Z. From body language to professional writing, every communication skill influences how far diplomacy can progress. Moreover, every country has its own attention to detail that must be carefully understood and respected," she said.

Concluding the discussion, Prof. Arief Basalamah emphasized that cross-cultural communication is not a competency that can be mastered overnight. Instead, it requires continuous learning and refinement throughout one's professional career, especially for those working in diplomacy and other professions centered on human interaction. He also reminded participants that a lack of cultural sensitivity can directly affect how products, ideas, and initiatives are received in international markets.

Through this interactive discussion, UNDIRA also strengthened its partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Ukraine through the signing of an Implementation Agreement (IA). The collaboration is expected to create sustainable opportunities for students to pursue future careers in diplomacy and international education.