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International Relations

Hubungan Internasional

This study program examines the dynamics of relations between states and non-state actors, covering diplomacy, international politics, the global economy, international law, and cross-border issues such as conflict, development cooperation, and trade.

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Level S1 · 4 years
Market demand Stable, with broad opportunities
Mid salary Rp 12–20 million /mo
01

Big Picture

DATA

Examines interactions among states, international organizations, and non-state actors across political, economic, legal, security, and cultural dimensions, with an Indonesian perspective on global relations.

Core courses

  • ›International Relations Theory
  • ›Indonesian Foreign Policy
  • ›International Law
  • ›International Political Economy
  • ›Diplomacy and Negotiation
  • ›International Security
  • ›International Organizations
  • ›Social Research Methodology
  • ›Comparative Political Systems
  • ›Area Studies (Southeast Asia, Europe, Middle East)
WHO THIS FITS

A good fit if you are interested in global issues, enjoy analyzing political and economic dynamics between countries, are comfortable reading and writing lengthy analyses, and have strong foreign language skills.

Education levels

how does it differ from other levels?
S2 (Master's)
S2 International Relations programs (e.g., at UI, UGM, UPNVJ) last 1.5–2 years (±42 credits). They focus on in-depth research, advanced methodology, and specialization in a particular region or issue. Suitable for those seeking an academic career, senior research roles, or advanced policy analyst positions.
S3 (Doctoral)
S3 International Relations programs (e.g., at UI, UGM, Unpad) last 3–5 years and are based on an original research dissertation. They are designed for academics and senior researchers who want to contribute to theory or policy at the international level. The number of programs in Indonesia is limited.

Often confused with…

what's the difference?
vsIlmu Politik (Political Science)
Ilmu Politik focuses on domestic political systems (parties, elections, domestic public policy), whereas International Relations examines relations between states and international actors.
vsIlmu Komunikasi (Communication Studies)
Ilmu Komunikasi focuses on media, public relations, and mass communication, whereas International Relations focuses on diplomacy, foreign policy, and interactions between states.
vsHukum Internasional (International Law)
Hukum Internasional (housed under a law faculty) focuses on juridical aspects — treaties, disputes, arbitration — whereas International Relations views international phenomena from a broader political, economic, and social perspective.
vsHubungan Masyarakat (Public Relations)
Public Relations manages the image and communication of organizations or corporations, whereas International Relations manages relations between states and global issues on an international scale.

Myth vs Fact

MYTH International Relations graduates will definitely become diplomats.
FACT Only a small fraction become diplomats (through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs selection process). The majority work at NGOs, multinational companies, research institutions, media outlets, or consulting firms.
MYTH International Relations is a major that only learns foreign languages.
FACT Foreign languages are a supporting tool, not the core. The primary focus is on international political theory, political economy, law, and policy analysis.
MYTH Career prospects for International Relations are narrow, and it is hard to find a job.
FACT Graduates can enter many sectors: government, the private sector (government relations), international NGOs, media, research, and consulting. This flexibility is actually an advantage.
MYTH International Relations is only suitable for people who want to work abroad.
FACT There are many opportunities domestically — expert staff for the DPR (House of Representatives), ministries, state-owned enterprises (BUMN), multinational companies operating in Indonesia, and domestic research institutions.
02

Toolkit & Prep

GUIDE

Personal hardware & software you need to prepare before classes start — requirements vary by program. Expensive, heavy-duty equipment is usually provided by the campus.

MINIMUM LAPTOP SPEC

Standard laptop (minimum Core i3/Ryzen 3, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD) — sufficient for research, writing essays, and accessing journal databases.

ESTIMATED STARTUP BUDGET
Rp 5–12 million

A one-time purchase that lasts through your studies.

Laptop
For writing papers, accessing online journals, and presentations
Required
Stable internet access
Much of the reading material and journals are accessed online
Required
Foreign language dictionary / translation app
Much of the material is in English and other foreign languages
Required
International literature textbooks
Some courses require specific textbooks
Optional
Formal attire
For Model United Nations (MUN), seminars, and formal academic activities
Required
Academic database access (JSTOR, ProQuest)
Usually provided by the campus, but personal access is helpful
Optional
03

Facility Checklist

GUIDE

Questions specific to International Relations to bring to an open house or campus visit. Important facilities vary by program — these matter most.

Note: Myjor doesn't maintain a facilities database per campus. This is a tool for you to assess it yourself.

Is there a diplomacy simulation laboratory or a Model United Nations (MUN) room?
Does the library have access to international journal databases (JSTOR, Scopus, ProQuest)?
Is there a student exchange or double degree program with overseas universities?
Are foreign language classes other than English available? (French, Mandarin, Arabic, etc.)
Is there a dedicated discussion room or reading room for analysis and research assignments?
Does the career center have connections with ministries, NGOs, or multinational companies?
Is there a structured internship program (e.g. internships at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassies, or NGOs)?
Do the teaching lecturers have practical experience in diplomacy or international organizations?
Are student exchange scholarships available (e.g. Erasmus+, ASEAN, LPDP)?
Is there a forum or community focused on studying specific regions (Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific)?

Tip: ask for a tour of the relevant labs/studios, not just the main building. Ask about access hours and whether undergrads can use the equipment.

04

Academic Quality

GUIDE

Three objective ways to assess a program's academic quality — including how to check them yourself.

A

Program accreditation status

Check the program's own accreditation rating (not just the campus's) on official sites. International accreditation is a plus for certain fields.

Unggul / A — top tier Baik Sekali / B Baik / C

Check at: BAN-PT (banpt.or.id) or the relevant LAM, & PDDIKTI (pddikti.kemdikbud.go.id).

B

Student–faculty ratio & how to calculate it

ratio = active students ÷ full-time faculty
Example: 600 students ÷ 25 faculty = 1 : 24
✓Ideal: ≈1:20 for STEM/science fields, ≈1:30 for social sciences/humanities (per Ministry of Education guidance).
!The smaller the second number, the more attention each student gets. Above 1:40 is worth flagging.
!Also check faculty qualifications (Master's/PhD) and whether there are industry practitioner lecturers.
C

Faculty research — relevant & current?

Look up faculty profiles and publications (Google Scholar / SINTA). For International Relations, look for those researching currently relevant topics:

Diplomacy and Indonesian Foreign PolicyRegional Security Politics of Southeast AsiaInternational Political Economy and Global TradeInternational Law and Human RightsPeace Studies and Conflict ResolutionInternational Development Cooperation (SDGs)Middle East, European, or East Asian Regional PoliticsInternational Migration and DiasporaGlobal GovernanceMaritime and Sea Security (ASEAN, Indo-Pacific)

E.g., is there faculty researching AI, or cancer-related topics? Active research topics signal the program keeps up with the field.

ASK AT THE OPEN HOUSE

"What's this program's student–faculty ratio? What research topics are faculty currently working on? What percentage of graduates find field-relevant jobs within 6 months?"

05

Partnerships

GUIDE

Campus partnerships heavily shape internship, research, and career paths. Which partners matter varies by program — here's what's relevant for International Relations.

Think-tanks & policy research institutes
Are there research collaborations or internships with CSIS, LIPI/BRIN, or foreign policy research institutes?
Ministries & government agencies
Are there internship or recruitment pathways at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu), Bappenas, or related ministries?
International organizations & NGOs
Are there partnerships with UNDP, UNICEF, the World Bank, or international NGOs (Amnesty, Transparency International)?
Embassies & diplomatic missions
Are there visit programs, guest lectures, or internships at foreign embassies in Indonesia?
International student exchange programs
Are there exchange pathways (Erasmus+, ASEAN University Network, bilateral agreements) with overseas universities?
International Relations professional associations
Is the campus a member of APSHI (Association of International Relations Study Programs) or a similar association?
International media & journalism
Are there collaborations with international media or news portals for internships or writing?
MSIB / Independent Study programs
Are there MSIB or Kampus Merdeka pathways relevant to International Relations?

Ask for a list of official partners with active MoUs — not just logos in a brochure. Ask how many students are actually placed each year.

06

Career & Salary

DATA
Entry
0–2 years
Rp 5–8 million
per month
Mid
3–6 years
Rp 12–20 million
per month
Senior
7+ years
Rp 25–45 million
per month
Career pathsSalary range /mo
Diplomat / Ministry of Foreign Affairs Staff Rp 5–15 million (civil servant + performance allowance)
Foreign Policy Analyst Rp 8–15 million
Government Relations Officer (multinational) Rp 10–25 million
International NGO Staff / Coordinator Rp 8–20 million
Researcher / Academic Rp 6–15 million
International Journalist / Reporter Rp 6–12 million
International Business Consultant Rp 10–30 million

Sources: Myjor 2024 industry salary survey (n=4,200), BPS, and job portals. Figures are medians, influenced by city, company, and experience.

Sources & References

The career & salary data above traces back to its sources. Click to expand/collapse the source list.