This article analyses Indonesia’s conduct of human rights diplomacy post-Suharto era, starting from the presidency of B.J. Habibie to Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The study aims to identify how Indonesia’s foreign policy instruments, specifically human rights diplomacy, have been utilized on the international political stage to achieve Indonesia’s national interests during that period. Unlike the previous periods, Indonesia’s general attitude towards and policies governing human rights tend to be more active despite unresolved domestic human rights issues, evident from its various human rights advocacy efforts in regional and international forums. If previously Indonesia was accused of some of the most severe human rights violations, post-Suharto Indonesia has escaped this negative stigma, having strengthened its national interest while protecting, fulfilling, and promoting human rights at both regional and international levels.
