Borneo International Journal of Islamic Studies
Vol 8 No 1 (2026): Borneo International Journal of Islamic Studies, Vol. 8(1), May 2026

Diplomatic Appointments and Competency Standards in Indonesia: A Siyasah Dauliyah Analysis of Meritocracy and Ambassadorial Selection

Marha Awanis Syamlina (Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung)
Muhammad Asro (Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung)
Lutfi Fahrul Rizal (Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung)
Tarmidzi Tarmidzi (Universitas Islam Negeri K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 May 2026

Abstract

The appointment of ambassadors is crucial to a state's diplomatic effectiveness and representation in international forums. In Indonesia, the appointment of non-career diplomats to strategic ambassadorial positions has raised concerns regarding compliance with meritocratic governance and competency requirements. This study examines whether Indonesia's regulatory framework governing diplomatic appointments adequately ensures diplomatic competence and aligns with the principles of Siyasah Dauliyah. Employing normative legal research, the study uses statutory, conceptual, and comparative approaches to analyze the 1945 Constitution, Law No. 37 of 1999 on Foreign Relations, Law No. 5 of 2014 on State Civil Apparatus, and Presidential Regulation No. 56 of 2021. The findings reveal that the existing framework grants broad discretion over ambassadorial appointments while lacking measurable, enforceable competency standards. This gap weakens the implementation of merit-based governance and may affect diplomatic effectiveness. Drawing on the principles of amanah (trustworthiness), kifayah (competence), and 'adalah (justice), this study proposes an integrated evaluative framework for diplomatic appointments. It argues that legal reform is necessary to establish objective competency benchmarks and transparent selection mechanisms for both career and non-career diplomats.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

bijis

Publisher

Subject

Religion Chemistry Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

Borneo International Journal of Islamic Studies (BIJIS) focuses on the interdisciplinary publication of original research on Islamic Studies. The journal aims to provide research articles, original research report, reviews, and scientific commentaries in Islamic studies, which is, covers library and ...