Let us dissect this reality in Hong Kong, a nexus of Asian business and diplomacy, where the Indonesian diaspora forms one of the largest foreign communities. At this juncture, we must understand that a diaspora is not merely "people living overseas." Through the lens of international relations, the diaspora is an instrument of soft power. They are the living showcase of a nation’s character, dignity, and capacity.

In reality, the largest demographic of our diaspora in Hong Kong consists of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI). They are often praised as foreign exchange heroes, yet there is a root issue rarely discussed openly: the psychological trap of a subordinate mentality.

Working in the domestic sector is a noble and professional occupation. Unfortunately, this is frequently accompanied by a misguided shift in mindset, where workers position themselves as overly inferior to their employers. Consequently, this fosters a culture of blind obedience, which paralyzes critical thinking and the courage to take a stand.

The manifestation of this mentality is highly evident on the ground. When employers give instructions that are logically flawed, inefficient, or even irrational, the most common response is total compliance. This power imbalance sometimes reaches alarming extremes. Based on various field observations and witness accounts, there are disturbing instances where employers coerce their workers into acts of deception or outright lying on their behalf. Trapped in the illusion of absolute obedience, workers often comply, compromising their own moral compass and potentially their legal standing, simply to appease their employers.

Fear and the feeling of "having no right" to voice an opinion cause rationality—and integrity—to be cast aside. In truth, blind obedience to flawed or unethical directives is not a form of dedication, but a dangerous loss of personal agency. If a nation's citizens are accustomed to losing their voice and bowing to absurdity or deceit, how can the world possibly view that nation as a strong one?

The strength of a country is measured by the competitiveness and dignity of its citizens. Being "strong" as a diaspora does not mean being arrogant or rebellious; it means possessing professional assertiveness.

This transformation demands a paradigm shift. Our migrant workers must stop viewing themselves as entities "owned" by their employers, and begin recognizing their position as professional service providers bound by an equal contract. A true professional knows their worth, is unafraid to negotiate, can communicate assertively, and has the courage to draw a firm line when instructed to perform unethical acts.

If we want the world to see Indonesia as a strong and dignified entity, this paradigm shift must absolutely begin at the grassroots level abroad. As long as our diaspora maintains an inferior mentality, the status of a "strong nation" will remain mere rhetoric on paper. An authoritative nation is always built by individuals who know how to value themselves.