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Abstract

This article presents a fresh perspective on international climate change negotiations by shining a light on the often-ignored concept of symbolic power within the role of middle powers, an area where current literature largely emphasizes behavioral and functional aspects. Focusing on Indonesia's participation in the 2018 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference in Katowice, Poland, the study explores how the nation adeptly wielded symbolic power to champion the concerns of developing nations. Through strategic utilization of language and identity, Indonesia underscored three crucial negotiation points: financial support, technological transfer, and capacity building—all essential for achieving the Paris Agreement objectives. Indonesia's assertive narrative, which called for developed nations to honor their commitments to their less affluent counterparts, not only conveyed a powerful message but also enabled the country to leverage its middle power status effectively. By assuming a representative role for other developing nations, Indonesia facilitated consensus in the negotiations. This study broadens the middle power discourse, highlighting the function of symbolic power and its potential to reshape international climate policy.

Bahasa Abstract

Artikel ini menawarkan perspektif baru tentang peran negara berkekuatan menengah (middle power) dalam negosiasi perubahan iklim internasional, dengan fokus pada penggunaan kekuatan simbolis (symbolic power), sebuah sudut pandang yang sering kali diabaikan dalam literatur saat ini yang cenderung ke arah pendekatan perilaku dan fungsional. Secara spesifik, artikel ini meneliti penggunaan strategis symbolic power oleh Indonesia sebagai negara berkekuatan menengah selama Konferensi Perubahan Iklim Katowice (COP-24). Menyuarakan kepentingan negara-negara berkembang, Indonesia memobilisasi status kekuatan menengahnya, dengan menonjolkan tiga poin negosiasi penting yaitu dukungan finansial, transfer teknologi, dan pembangunan kapasitas. Faktor-faktor ini sangat kritis bagi negara-negara berkembang dalam upaya mereka meraih tujuan Perjanjian Paris. Narasi strategis Indonesia, yang dibentuk melalui bahasa dan identitas, menyoroti kebutuhan bagi negara maju untuk memenuhi komitmen mereka terhadap negara berkembang. Dengan mengambil peran sebagai perwakilan untuk negara- berkembang, Indonesia secara efektif memanfaatkan status kekuatan menengahnya, mendorong kesepakatan dalam negosiasi. Studi ini memberikan kontribusi signifikan kepada diskursus negara middle power dengan menekankan peran integral symbolic power dalam negosiasi perubahan iklim internasional.

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