Prabowo’s Presidency Ushers Shift In Indonesia's Geopolitical Strategy, Says Former Diplomat

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- Prabowo Subianto’s presidency marks a new chapter in Indonesia’s leadership, blending innovative approaches with a firm commitment to traditional values, according to Dr Darmansjah Djumala, a former diplomat and academic.

In a presentation on ‘Charting The Map for Indonesia: Pursuing Interests in the Regional and Global Political Chessboard’, he outlined the key priorities of Prabowo’s administration, which are strengthening national defence, maintaining a free and active foreign policy, and fostering regional cooperation.

“Prabowo aims to enhance Indonesia’s global standing by focusing on national resilience, economic growth, and regional stability, positioning the country as a key geopolitical player,” he stated during the international seminar ‘Navigating the Future of the Indo-Pacific’, organised by the Habibie Centre on Thursday.

Djumala further explained that Indonesia’s ‘free and active’ foreign policy allows the country to take its own positions on international issues, emphasising that this does not mean neutrality but rather the freedom to engage with other parties based on national interests.

The ‘active’ element of the policy, he continued, highlights Indonesia’s proactive approach to foreign relations, with a focus on national interests, swift responses to global developments, and active participation in global peace efforts.

One of the key challenges facing Prabowo’s foreign policy, Djumala noted, is how Indonesia will navigate the rise of political, economic, and military alliances in the region, particularly in light of minilateral groupings such as AUKUS and trilateral alliances aimed at containing China.

“These include the AUKUS military alliance (Australia, United Kingdom, United States), the United States-Japan-South Korea trilateral alliance, the US-Japan-Philippines trilateral military alliance, and the Asia-Pacific NATO Liaison Office in Japan,” he explained, highlighting the growing complexity of regional geopolitics.

To respond effectively, Djumala backed Prabowo’s stance that “Indonesia and ASEAN must uphold the concept of ASEAN Centrality and actively engage in discussions about the future of the region, ensuring that their voices and interests are heard.”

He also advocated for deeper intra-ASEAN economic cooperation and the adoption of an equal-distance strategy in relations with external powers involved in the region.

He suggested that, besides China, Indonesia should invite investment from Japan, South Korea, and the US to develop Indonesia’s outermost islands, such as Natuna, as a way to reduce the potential for conflict.

Last week, Indonesia and China agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation in the South China Sea, as outlined in the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties, which was signed by ASEAN countries and China.

The cooperation aims to promote peace, friendship, and stability in the region, with a focus on economic collaboration, particularly in fisheries and conservation, based on mutual respect and equality.

In a statement on Nov 11, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the cooperation will be carried out in accordance with the laws and regulations of each country.

-- BERNAMA