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e-ISSN: 1647-7251

VOL. 16, Nº. 1

May-October 2025

341

PARADIPLOMACY OF THE GLOBAL SOUTH: SURABAYA’S APPROACH TO GLOBAL

SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES (2016-2020)

ARIO BIMO UTOMO

ariobimo.hi@upnjatim.ac.id

Doctor in Social Sciences, Master of International Relations and Bachelor of Arts in International

Relations. Assistant Professor and Head of the International Relations Department, Universitas

Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jawa Timur (Indonesia).

Abstract

This paper examines the role of paradiplomacy in Surabaya's approach to addressing global

sustainability challenges from 2016 to 2020. As a key city in Indonesia, a Global South

country, Surabaya illustrates how local governments can leverage international partnerships

to address pressing urban and environmental issues. The study highlights how Surabaya's

strategic collaborations with cities such as Kitakyushu and Liverpool align with the Sustainable

Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on environmental sustainability and urban

development. Despite facing significant socio-economic inequalities and institutional

constraints due to Indonesia’s decentralisation laws, Surabaya has utilised paradiplomacy to

integrate global standards into local policies effectively. The city’s partnerships have facilitated

knowledge exchange and resource mobilisation, aiding in tackling issues like waste

management and infrastructure development. This approach demonstrates a shift from

traditional state-centric diplomacy to a more nuanced, subnational engagement that

empowers cities in the Global South. Through Surabaya’s experiences, the paper provides

valuable insights into how other cities with similar challenges can adopt paradiplomatic

strategies to enhance their sustainability efforts and contribute to global discussions on

sustainable urban development.

Keywords

Paradiplomacy, Indonesia, Surabaya, global south.

Resumo

Este artigo analisa o papel da paradiplomacia na abordagem de Surabaya para enfrentar os

desafios globais de sustentabilidade entre 2016 e 2020. Como uma cidade-chave na

Indonésia, um país do Sul Global, Surabaya ilustra como os governos locais podem alavancar

parcerias internacionais para abordar questões urbanas e ambientais prementes. O estudo

destaca a forma como as colaborações estratégicas de Surabaya com cidades como

Kitakyushu e Liverpool se alinham com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS),

centrando-se particularmente na sustentabilidade ambiental e no desenvolvimento urbano.

Apesar de enfrentar desigualdades socioeconómicas significativas e restrições institucionais

devido às leis de descentralização da Indonésia, Surabaya utilizou a paradiplomacia para

integrar eficazmente as normas globais nas políticas locais. As parcerias estabelecidas pela

cidade facilitaram a troca de conhecimentos e a mobilização de recursos, ajudando a resolver

questões como a gestão de resíduos e o desenvolvimento de infraestruturas. Esta abordagem

demonstra uma mudança da diplomacia tradicional centrada no Estado para um envolvimento

JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations

e-ISSN: 1647-7251

VOL. 16, Nº. 1

May-October 2025, pp. 341-354

Paradiplomacy of the Global South: Surabaya’s Approach

to Global Sustainability Challenges (2016-2020)

Ario Bimo Utomo

342

subnacional mais matizado que dá poder às cidades do Sul Global. Através das experiências

de Surabaya, o artigo fornece informações valiosas sobre como outras cidades com desafios

semelhantes podem adotar estratégias paradiplomáticas para melhorar os seus esforços de

sustentabilidade e contribuir para debates globais sobre o desenvolvimento urbano

sustentável.

Palavras-chave

Paradiplomacia, Indonésia, Surabaya, sul global.

How to cite this article

Utomo, Ario Bimo (2025). Paradiplomacy of the Global South: Surabaya’s Approach to Global

Sustainability Challenges (2016-2020). Janus.net, e-journal of international relations. VOL. 16, Nº.

1. May-October 2025, pp. 341-354. DOI https://doi.org/10.26619/1647-7251.16.1.16.

Article submitted on 13rd September 2024 and accepted for publication on 3rd March

2025.

JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations

e-ISSN: 1647-7251

VOL. 16, Nº. 1

May-October 2025, pp. 341-354

Paradiplomacy of the Global South: Surabaya’s Approach

to Global Sustainability Challenges (2016-2020)

Ario Bimo Utomo

343

PARADIPLOMACY OF THE GLOBAL SOUTH: SURABAYA’S

APPROACH TO GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES

(2016-2020)

ARIO BIMO UTOMO

Introduction

The rapid expansion of urban populations globally is transforming cities into influential

international actors. According to the United Nations, the global urban population surged

from 751 million in 1950 to 4.2 billion in 2018, with projections suggesting that 68% of

the world’s population will reside in urban areas by 2050 (United Nations, 2018). This

demographic shift has significantly altered the role of cities, positioning them not merely

as administrative units but as dynamic participants in global affairs.

Short et al. (2000) argue that globalisation has redefined cities as new international

actors, while Giddens (2003) highlights how this shift has empowered local governments

to become crucial nodes in global networks. Paradiplomacy, or subnational diplomacy,

has thus emerged as a critical mechanism through which cities directly engage in

international relations. By establishing autonomous connections with foreign cities,

international organisations, and other non-state actors, cities address global challenges

while enhancing their global standing (Barber, 2013; Curtis, 2016). However, the

traditional approaches to paradiplomacy often fail to capture the unique complexities

faced by cities in the Global South. These cities grapple with rapid urbanisation, socio-

economic disparities, and developmental constraints, challenges that are not fully

addressed by conventional paradiplomatic frameworks.

In the current globalised era, urban centres in the Global South face complex socio-

political landscapes while aiming for sustainable development. Surabaya is among many

cities that utilises paradiplomatic strategies to align its local efforts with global

sustainability goals. Traditional paradigms often disregard the distinctive obstacles these

cities face—rapid urban growth, limited resources, and limited institutional capacities—

necessitating a re-assessment of paradiplomacy. By focusing on Surabaya’s approach to

environmental sustainability, this paper explores how paradiplomatic efforts in cities of

the Global South can create significant international collaborations that address urgent

local concerns while contributing to global sustainability discourse.

Global South cities like Surabaya in Indonesia, which has made notable efforts to

integrate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its paradiplomatic strategies,

provide insight into how such frameworks can be adapted to local realities. Focusing

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e-ISSN: 1647-7251

VOL. 16, Nº. 1

May-October 2025, pp. 341-354

Paradiplomacy of the Global South: Surabaya’s Approach

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particularly on environmental sustainability, Surabaya’s engagement with paradiplomacy

offers an example of how local governments in the Global South can navigate the

intersection of global aspirations and local needs.

Surabaya’s international relations framework, particularly its partnerships with sister

cities, demonstrates the potential of paradiplomacy in facilitating the exchange of

knowledge and sustainable practices. Surabaya’s transformation from an industrial city

to a sustainable urban hub reflects its alignment with the SDGs, focusing on

environmental sustainability as a foundation for socio-economic growth (Wijoyo et al.,

2023). This shift marks a significant departure from traditional state-centric diplomacy,

elevating the role of subnational entities like Surabaya in global governance.

As Surabaya implements these strategies, it becomes a relevant case study for

understanding the intersection of local realities and global aspirations in the Global South.

The city’s creative environmental initiatives provide a model for how other urban centres

in similar contexts might integrate SDGs into their diplomatic efforts. By emphasising a

comprehensive approach that aligns urban development with international sustainability

standards, Surabaya’s paradigm shift can serve as a replicable framework for other cities

looking to navigate the complexities of urbanisation, socio-economic disparities, and

global governance (Nganje, 2013).

Ultimately, this paper seeks to present a more nuanced perspective on paradiplomacy,

one that attends specifically to the intricacies of urban governance and international

cooperation in the Global South. By examining the case of Surabaya, this research

contributes to the evolving discourse on how subnational entities can bridge the gap

between local needs and global goals, advancing sustainable urban growth within the

global community.

Paradiplomacy and the Global South

Paradiplomacy refers to the international activities undertaken by subnational entities—

such as cities, regions, and states—that seek to engage directly with foreign actors and

influence global affairs. The genesis of paradiplomacy represents a departure from

traditional state-centric diplomacy, where national governments hold exclusive authority

over international relations. Paradiplomacy allows local governments to pursue their own

foreign policies and international partnerships, enabling them to address global

challenges and leverage opportunities that align with their unique interests and needs

(Lecours, 2002; Aldecoa and Keating, 2013).

The evolution of paradiplomacy can be traced back to the late 20th century when cities

and regions began asserting themselves as significant international actors following the

rise of federalism (Keating, 2013). As globalisation intensified, local governments

increasingly recognised the potential to shape global outcomes through direct

engagement with international partners.

Lecours (2008) outlines three main motives of paradiplomacy, namely economic motive,

knowledge motive, and political motive. However, Tavares (2016) details it even more

to seven motives. These include capitalising on global opportunities, especially in

economic development; improving citizen services, particularly in cross-border contexts;

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enhancing local competencies and programmes in areas such as healthcare and

education; advocating for domestic decentralisation and addressing local demands;

advancing the personal ambitions of local political leaders, including potential electoral

benefits; fostering cultural uniqueness and nationalism; and overcoming political and

geographic isolation.

Paradiplomacy differs from traditional diplomacy in several key ways. First, traditional

diplomacy is state-centric, with national governments holding the primary responsibility

for conducting international relations and representing the interests of their countries. In

contrast, paradiplomacy allows subnational entities to engage directly with foreign actors,

bypassing national governments. However, considering that the authority to engage in

paradiplomacy is granted by the national government with certain limitations,

paradiplomacy is generally carried out only on low political issues that are not directly

related to national security. This is why, borrowing Lecours (2008) and Utomo (2019),

paradiplomacy falls within the “gray” area of the constitution because traditionally,

foreign activities are an exclusive right of the national government. However,

paradiplomacy has now been regarded as a common practice, complementing and

democratising foreign policy, not regarded as an anomaly anymore (Cornago, 2010).

The study of paradiplomacy has its roots in North America and Europe, where the

concepts of federalism and decentralisation have long been established (Tremblay,

1990). To mention some, there is Martínez (2017) who explores the paradiplomatic

efforts of Canadian provinces, detailing their interactions with the United States and

Mexico, which underscores the region-specific focus of the research. He provides an in-

depth analysis of North American subnational governments and their international

activities, further emphasizing the emphasis on this region. In Europe, Kamiński and

Ciesielska-Klikowska (2023) examine the integration of paradiplomacy into EU foreign

policymaking, highlighting the mechanisms and limitations within a European context.

McHugh (2015) adds to this focus by investigating the foreign policy ambitions of Quebec

and other Canadian provinces, illustrating the continued scholarly attention on North

American paradigms. Collectively, these studies reflect a significant concentration of

paradiplomacy research in North America and Europe, pointing to a need for broader

exploration of paradiplomacy in other contexts.

In contrast, the scholarship on paradiplomacy remains underdeveloped in the Global

South, where the dynamics of decentralisation and subnational autonomy differ markedly

from those in the developed regions. Although paradiplomacy scholarship has made

notable strides in both North America and Europe, the Global South still requires more

comprehensive exploration. Studies such as Salomon (2016), de Macedo et al. (2023),

and Nganje (2014) have started to shed light on paradiplomacy in the developing world,

with a focus on developing countries like Brazil and South Africa. These articles generally

highlight the unique challenges that shape the Global South’s approach to paradiplomacy.

Issues like rapid urbanisation, socio-economic disparities, and institutional constraints

are prevalent in these regions, influencing how local governments engage in international

relations compared to the more developed regions. Paradiplomacy in the Global South

often focuses on addressing these pressing local issues while navigating a complex global

landscape.

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Surabaya at a Glance

Surabaya, the capital of East Java Province and Indonesia’s second-largest city after

Jakarta, is a key gateway to Eastern Indonesia, with direct shipping and flight connections

to major eastern cities such as Denpasar, Makassar, and Jayapura. Its role as a major

industrial hub highlights the city's economic significance. Its port, Tanjung Perak, is the

second busiest in the country after Jakarta’s Tanjung Priok, playing a crucial role in

regional and international trade. Surabaya’s economy is diverse, with prominent sectors

including shipbuilding, heavy equipment, and food and beverages. Its growing appeal as

a market for new technologies and innovations makes it a prime location for investment

in the digital and creative sectors.

The city's status as a trade centre was established during the Dutch colonial period, which

began in the early 17th century. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) recognised

Surabaya’s potential for trading spices, sugar, and other valuable goods, leading to the

expansion of its port facilities and its pivotal role in VOC’s maritime trade routes across

Asia and Europe. The colonial era saw Surabaya grow economically and culturally, with

Dutch architectural and urban planning influences evident in its European-style buildings

and organised street layouts.

With a population of over 3 million, modern Surabaya remains a vibrant and diverse city.

While the Javanese are the predominant ethnic group, the city also hosts significant

minorities, including Chinese Indonesians, Arab Indonesians, and the Madurese from the

nearby Madura Island. Historically, foreign ethnic groups such as Armenians and Indians

were also present, though they are now largely absent. Surabaya’s strategic position at

the northeastern tip of Java Island enhances its logistics and connectivity, making it a

key node on the pantura (north coast) road, which links it to other major cities like

Jakarta and Semarang and nearby towns.

From the 1970s to the late 1990s, Surabaya was known as the Indamardi city (Bagijo,

1992). The concept itself is an acronym of Industri, Perdagangan, Maritim, and

Pendidikan, meaning “industry, commerce, maritime, and education” in Indonesian,

respectively. This era saw significant industrial growth, maritime activities bolstered by

Tanjung Perak port, and the city’s emphasis on education through its universities such

as Universitas Airlangga and the Tenth of November Institute of Technology.

As a metropolis, Surabaya faces significant challenges related to pollution and rising

temperatures. The rapid urbanisation and industrial activities have contributed to

worsening air quality, while the city's dense population and heavy traffic exacerbate these

issues. In addition to pollution, Surabaya grapples with the challenge of high

temperatures, which are exacerbated by the urban heat island effect. Surabaya is one of

the hottest Indonesian cities, where the hottest daily temperature was recorded as high

as 34.8 Celsius degrees (Detik, 2024).

In response to that, since the 2000s, Surabaya has been shifting its identity from a

predominantly industrial city to a more touristy destination. This transformation was

driven by the establishment of the "Sparkling Surabaya" brand, launched by the

Department of Tourism in collaboration with the Surabaya Tourism Promotion Board to

highlight the city’s rich cultural heritage and urban development. The initiative aimed to

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rebrand Surabaya as a vibrant, modern metropolis that offers a diverse range of

attractions for both domestic and international tourists.

Through these comprehensive efforts, Surabaya has tried to redefine itself as a city that

balances historical tourism with a strong commitment to sustainability, all under the

"Sparkling Surabaya" brand. This reimagined identity not only appeals to enhance the

city's appeal to tourists but also underscores Surabaya's dedication to sustainable urban

development. As the city continues to evolve, its efforts to integrate sustainability into

all aspects of its growth have become increasingly aligned with global standards. This

leads naturally to a deeper exploration of Surabaya’s initiatives, particularly in the

context of its drive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Surabaya's Paradiplomatic Approach to Sustainable Development

Adopted by all UN member states in 2015, The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDGs serve as a universal call to action to address global challenges, such as poverty,

inequality, and environmental degradation, by 2030 (United Nations, 2015). On the other

hand, it has become a key source of inspiration for national development in Indonesia,

as mandated by the government. In its official statement, the National Development

Bureau (Bappenas) mentions that the achievement of the SDGs is recognised as a

"national development priority that requires policy planning synergy at the national,

provincial, and city/regency levels" (Bappenas, 2020). This reflects the country's

commitment to integrating global development objectives into its governance framework,

emphasising the importance of coordinated efforts across all levels of government to

address pressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability.

For cities like Surabaya, the SDGs offer both opportunities and challenges. The city must

balance global targets with its unique, rapidly urbanising context.

Surabaya’s efforts towards SDGs gained significant momentum under the leadership of

Mayor Tri Rismaharini, who led initiatives that localised the SDGs within the city’s

development plans. The stipulation of SDGs coincided with the second term of her

leadership, meaning that she also had to navigate the policies in accordance with the

global vision. The overall vision of Surabaya at that time was “Surabaya, a Prosperous

City with Character and Global Competitiveness based on Ecology.” While the city’s

Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD) 2016-2020 did not explicitly mention the

SDGs, her governance focused on fulfilling SDG 11, which promotes inclusive, safe,

resilient, and sustainable cities (Utomo, 2022).

These efforts align with Giddens' (2003) observation that globalisation operates on both

global and local levels, with global agendas increasingly being contextualised to meet

local needs. During those periods, Surabaya conducted two significant paradiplomatic

cooperations: with Kitakyushu (Japan) and with Liverpool (United Kingdom).

The partnership between Surabaya and Kitakyushu, a city recognised for its

environmental and technological advancements, has been pivotal in Surabaya’s

environmental management strategies. Since 2012, Surabaya has worked closely with

Kitakyushu on waste management and environmental sustainability. Kitakyushu’s

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expertise in waste treatment played a key role in Surabaya’s solid waste management

initiatives.

According to Damayanti (2020), there are three different stakeholders in the

collaboration between Surabaya and Kitakyushu. First, the Surabaya Government takes

on a central role in regulating, evaluating, and managing the program to ensure its

effectiveness and sustainability. Meanwhile, civil society actively contributes through

social networking and community empowerment, fostering local engagement and

awareness. Additionally, Nishihara Corporation serves as a key facilitator in knowledge

transfer, providing technical expertise and support to enhance waste processing

initiatives.

In collaboration with Nishihara Corporation, particularly, Kitakyushu has assisted in

implementing waste management systems that address the city's growing waste

problem. Nishihara Corporation’s role has been particularly vital in enhancing waste

collection and recycling efforts in Surabaya’s communities, including notable projects in

the Wonorejo area.

Wonorejo itself has become a model site for environmental sustainability in Surabaya.

The development of the Wonorejo Mangrove Ecotourism area, supported by Kitakyushu,

exemplifies how the city utilises natural resources for both conservation and economic

purposes. This collaboration is part of a broader effort to rehabilitate the mangrove forest

along the coast of Surabaya, which plays a crucial role in protecting the city from coastal

erosion and provides a habitat for various species. Kitakyushu’s input into the

development of this ecotourism area has helped local stakeholders understand the

importance of integrating sustainable practices into tourism and urban planning.

Moreover, through these partnerships, Surabaya has been able to integrate the SDGs

into specific projects, particularly in addressing environmental issues. With Kitakyushu’s

support, Surabaya has advanced its work towards SDG 11, creating more sustainable

and resilient communities by tackling key environmental challenges. These efforts have

been further institutionalised through various agreements and technical exchanges

between the two cities, demonstrating how city-to-city cooperation can be a critical

mechanism for localising global goals.

Between 2016 and 2020, Surabaya actively fostered partnerships with Kitakyushu

through various collaborative initiatives aimed at sustainable urban development. In

2016, the cooperation began with a Kitakyushu municipal grant for tap water

management in Surabaya, enhancing the city’s water infrastructure. This was followed

in 2017 by a workshop on energy source management, emphasizing the importance of

efficient and sustainable energy use. In 2018, both cities worked together on a workshop

addressing dengue fever mitigation and medical waste treatment, highlighting their

commitment to public health and environmental sustainability. The collaboration

continued in 2019 prior to the Covid-19 pandemic with a workshop on forest conservation

and ecotourism development (Utomo and Widiana, 2024).

In addition to its cooperation with Kitakyushu, Surabaya’s relationship with Liverpool

further highlights how the city integrated the SDGs into its local governance. The

partnership with Liverpool, formalised in 2018, covers a wide range of areas, including

economic development, port management, and education. This cooperation aligns

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VOL. 16, Nº. 1

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particularly with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 11 (Sustainable

Cities and Communities), focusing on sustainable urban development.

One of the most notable aspects of the Surabaya-Liverpool partnership is the focus on

inclusivity, particularly in education. Both cities share a commitment to improving the

quality of education for children with special needs. Surabaya’s collaboration with

Liverpool in this area—through joint initiatives like school visits, capacity-building for

special education teachers, and curriculum development—directly supports SDG 4

(Quality Education). The focus on Special Educational Needs (SEN) and inclusivity reflects

Surabaya’s commitment to creating an educational environment that caters to all

children, regardless of their abilities.

Furthermore, Liverpool’s expertise in port management offered Surabaya opportunities

to enhance its maritime infrastructure, crucial for economic growth. With Liverpool’s

support, Surabaya engaged in projects like the development of Java Integrated Industrial

and Port Estate (JIIPE) and Tanjung Perak’s expansion, which are vital for regional trade

and economic development. These initiatives align with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and

Infrastructure) and SDG 8 by promoting sustainable industrialisation and supporting

economic development in the region.

The cooperation also extended to the creative economy, with Liverpool providing support

through the Developing Inclusive Creative Economy (DICE) program. By fostering

entrepreneurship and supporting creative industries in Surabaya, DICE aligned with SDG

8’s focus on promoting sustained economic growth and productive employment. This

partnership signifies how cities can foster economic resilience and inclusivity through

international cooperation.

Finally, the sports diplomacy aspect of the Surabaya-Liverpool relationship, particularly

in football, not only strengthened cultural ties but also promoted youth engagement and

development. Surabaya sent young football talents to train in Liverpool, showcasing how

sports can be leveraged as a tool for youth development, contributing to SDG 3 (Good

Health and Well-Being) by encouraging physical activity and promoting teamwork and

social inclusion.

Through these two paradiplomatic partnerships—with Kitakyushu and Liverpool—

Surabaya demonstrates how cities in the Global South can integrate global goals like the

SDGs into their local governance frameworks, leveraging international collaborations to

address specific urban challenges while contributing to global sustainability efforts.

Lessons from the Global South: Indonesia

The complex challenges faced by cities in the Global South, like Surabaya, pinpoints the

necessity for innovative approaches that transcend traditional governance models.

Surabaya's experience highlights how paradiplomacy can effectively address these issues

by fostering strategic partnerships with other cities and international organisations. This

approach has allowed Surabaya to align local efforts with the Sustainable Development

Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on environmental sustainability—a pressing concern

for rapidly urbanising cities (Utomo, 2022). The integration of local circumstances with

global objectives illustrates the city's capacity to navigate socio-economic inequalities

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and institutional limitations. These partnerships succeed because Surabaya can translate

global standards into practical local policies, thereby enhancing resilience against urban

challenges. This dynamic demonstrates how paradiplomacy can bridge local and global

contexts while advancing sustainable development in Global South urban settings

(Mierzejewski et al., 2018).

In contrast to developed countries, where paradiplomacy often operates within well-

established frameworks and with greater institutional support, cities in the Global South

like Surabaya face additional constraints. Developed nations typically benefit from robust

legal and administrative infrastructures that facilitate international collaboration and

implementation of global standards. These countries often have the resources and

capacity to engage in high-level diplomatic negotiations and to integrate international

policies seamlessly into their local governance structures.

Paradiplomacy predominantly flourishes in developed states, particularly within federal

systems, where multiple levels of government share diplomatic responsibilities. In federal

countries, regional governments often have formal roles in foreign affairs, which allows

them to engage in paradiplomacy effectively. For example, in countries like the United

States, Canada, and Germany, the federal structure supports active regional participation

in international relations, enabling states or provinces to form partnerships, engage in

trade agreements, and influence global policies (Fathun, 2022). This systemic approach

provides these regions with the institutional backing and autonomy required to conduct

international affairs, thus fostering a more dynamic and collaborative form of

paradiplomacy.

In contrast, developed unitary states, such as France, the Netherlands, and the Czech

Republic, have more centralised control over foreign policy, which can limit the scope of

paradiplomacy at the regional level. While these states may still engage in paradiplomatic

activities, the absence of a federal structure means that regional entities often lack the

formal authority to participate extensively in international affairs (Ksenicz, 2023).

However, those countries benefit from the developed institutional infrastructures and

greater access to resources, allowing them to overcome these constraints more easily

than cities in the Global South. Even within the limitations of a centralised system,

regions in developed unitary states can still engage in meaningful international

partnerships due to their ability to leverage advanced governance mechanisms and

strong diplomatic networks.

For cities in the unitarian settings and in the Global South like Surabaya, the situation is

not only shaped by institutional capacities but also by specific regulatory frameworks that

can either facilitate or hinder paradiplomatic efforts. While the Indonesian Laws No.

37/1999 and No. 24/2000 provide a legal foundation for local governments to engage in

international relations, they do not inherently create barriers to effective paradiplomacy.

Instead, the challenge lies in the varying capacities of local governments to navigate

these frameworks and meet the additional requirements necessary to pursue

international cooperation effectively.

As taken from Mukti (2013), there are some specific regulations which can be sources of

limitations. For example, local governments are advised to maintain official websites that

clearly outline regional conditions and potential areas for investment or cooperation,

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particularly in English. This allows foreign entities to access vital information and

encourages engagement. However, not all cities possess the resources to develop such

digital infrastructures or maintain regular contact with consular offices like the Indonesian

Consulate General or Indonesian embassies, which play an essential role in facilitating

negotiations.

In addition to digital capacity, local governments must also collaborate with experts or

professionals to accurately identify potential foreign partners. This collaboration provides

valuable insights and helps to navigate the complex international environment. Once

potential partners have been identified, local governments can proceed to initiate contact

through Indonesian consulates or embassies, setting the stage for formal negotiations.

The technical team established to oversee the partnership will then manage the execution

of the agreed-upon projects, aligning them with the local budget and ensuring that the

necessary resources, including human capital and financial backing, are in place. Finally,

the partnership is subject to regular evaluation to ensure its effectiveness. Successful

collaborations can fast-track regional development, while inefficient partnerships may

drain resources and slow progress.

In essence, the laws governing paradiplomacy in Indonesia do not inherently block

international partnerships. However, many cities in the unitarian settings, like Indonesia,

may struggle with the institutional capacity and bureaucratic steps necessary to engage

in such collaborations. The process requires not only regulatory compliance but also

technical expertise, proactive identification of opportunities, and robust communication

channels, all of which can prove difficult for resource-constrained cities.

Furthermore, the socio-economic inequalities prevalent in the Global South exacerbate

these challenges. Unlike their counterparts in developed countries, cities like Surabaya

must contend with more pronounced disparities that affect their ability to implement and

benefit from international partnerships. These inequalities are deeply rooted in

governance and social structures, which hinder equitable progress and often make it

difficult to address urban sustainability issues effectively (Sukmana et al., 2022).

In summary, while paradiplomacy offers significant potential for cities in the Global South

to engage in global sustainability discussions and advance local development, it operates

within a distinct set of constraints compared to developed nations. The unique challenges

faced by cities like Surabaya highlight the need for tailored approaches that address both

local needs and global goals while overcoming the specific barriers encountered in the

Global South (Alatas, 2021; Surwandono et al., 2020).

Conclusion

The results show that cities in the Global South, particularly Surabaya, have the potential

to significantly enhance their sustainability efforts through effective paradiplomacy.

Surabaya’s active involvement with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

demonstrates how local governments can balance socio-economic challenges with

broader environmental objectives (Nganje, 2013). The city's partnerships, especially with

sister cities, highlight the need for frameworks that not only support such relationships

but also empower local authorities to navigate complex global contexts (Utomo, 2022).

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Despite limitations imposed by central government policies, local initiatives remain

crucial, shifting diplomacy from traditional models to a deeper understanding of

subnational dynamics.

In conclusion, this article shows that by adopting integrative diplomatic strategies,

Surabaya and similar cities can position themselves as key players in global sustainability

discussions, paving the way for future collaborations within the Global South

(Mierzejewski et al., 2018). The analysis of Surabaya’s paradiplomacy reveals a complex

relationship between local governance and global ambitions, particularly in relation to

sustainable development. The findings suggest that Surabaya not only built international

partnerships with cities like Kitakyushu and Liverpool but also successfully integrated the

SDGs into its policies. This integration offers a practical approach to addressing

environmental challenges while navigating Indonesia’s post-decentralisation institutional

limitations, a topic of much scholarly debate (Utomo, 2022). Moreover, Surabaya’s

involvement reflects a shift from a centralised diplomatic model to one that empowers

local governments, in line with a broader trend in the Global South where cities use

paradiplomacy to improve socio-economic conditions. These findings highlight

Surabaya’s leadership in global sustainability initiatives and offer valuable insights for

other cities facing similar challenges.

Surabaya’s strategic use of paradiplomacy serves as an important example for other

cities in the Global South that are navigating complex urban challenges while pursuing

sustainable development. By forming global partnerships and prioritising environmental

sustainability, Surabaya provides a model that can be adapted to similar situations of

rapid urban growth and limited resources. The city's collaborations show how effective

partnerships can facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources needed to address

local challenges. Additionally, the article also suggests that cities engaging in

paradiplomacy can use international partnerships to amplify their voices on global

platforms, reducing traditional power hierarchies. Therefore, the implications for other

cities in the Global South are clear: they should embrace innovative diplomatic strategies

that align with both local goals and global agendas.

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