Journal of Paradiplomacy and City Networks
Vol. 4 No. 2: December 2025

Orchestrated Paradiplomacy: A Multilevel Governance Analysis of the Indonesia-China ‘Two Countries, Twin Parks’ Initiative

Riyanto, Budi (Unknown)
Keliat, Cyntia (Unknown)
Lamza, Widia (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Dec 2025

Abstract

This paper examines the Indonesia-China ‘Two Countries, Twin Parks’ (TCTP) initiative as a novel form of economic paradiplomacy nested within the broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The TCTP transcends traditional sub-national diplomacy, representing a complex, multi-tiered arrangement of actors and interests. Unlike the autonomous "micro-diplomacy" of the post-Cold War era, the TCTP demonstrates how central states effectively mobilize sub-national intermediaries—specifically provincial governments and industrial estate operators—to achieve transnational strategic goals. This article extends Multilevel Governance (MLG) theory by conceptualizing "orchestrated paradiplomacy" as a distinct, nested form of sub-national diplomacy embedded within global geoeconomic strategies. This study argues that the new paradiplomacy framework is essential to deconstruct the intricate interplay of actors at the supranational, national, and sub-national levels. Using a qualitative methodology that analyzes official documents, academic literature, and credible reports, this paper maps the TCTP’s architecture and actor motivations. The findings reveal that while the initiative creates significant economic opportunities through transnational supply chain integration, it simultaneously generates profound governance challenges. These challenges manifest as policy coordination gaps and the externalization of negative socio-environmental impacts at the local level, stemming from misaligned priorities between the geoeconomic objectives of higher governance tiers and the regulatory responsibilities of local authorities. The paper concludes by discussing critical policy implications, arguing that a rebalancing of governance is required to empower local ecological and social oversight, thereby addressing the "governance deficit" inherent in state-orchestrated development models.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jumahi

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

The core of the journal focuses on Paradiplomacy and City Networks which revolves around international cooperation by the regional government, and actorness such as mayors, local legislators, governors, and other sub-national elected officials who have traditionally engaged in international ...