As the world’s largest archipelagic country and the biggest economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia plays a strategic role in the region’s political and economic dynamics. However, this role is not always easy to fulfill amid the increasingly complex geopolitical context and intensified power contests in Southeast Asia. The question is, how does Indonesia exercise its agency amidst competing global powers? The answer lies in the country’s ability to adapt, respond, and innovate in its diplomacy and foreign policy.
Southeast Asia: A Region of High Dynamics
Southeast Asia is known for its diversity, encompassing various cultures, economies, and political systems. This region has also become a battleground for global interests, particularly between major powers like the United States and China. Both countries view Southeast Asia as a crucial area for strategic influence, creating various dynamics and tensions within the region.
In this context, Indonesia, with its strategic location and large population, often emerges as a key player that cannot be overlooked. However, as a country with a foreign policy based on the principle of bebas aktif (independent and active), Indonesia must carefully navigate its relationships with these major powers without losing autonomy or compromising its national interests.
The Bebas Aktif Policy: Principles and Practice
Since its independence, Indonesia has adopted a bebas aktif foreign policy, meaning it remains free from formal alliances with major powers but actively contributes to world peace. This policy has shaped how Indonesia positions itself on various regional and global issues.
However, in contemporary reality, the application of the bebas aktif policy faces increasingly complex challenges. For example, in the South China Sea dispute, Indonesia must balance maintaining its sovereignty with its economic relations with China. Although Indonesia is not a direct party to the dispute, the Natuna Islands, part of Indonesia, often become a hotspot in regional tensions.
Multilateral Diplomacy and Indonesia’s Role
One way Indonesia navigates this complexity is through multilateral diplomacy. As a founding member of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Indonesia has actively shaped and strengthened the regional framework to address various issues, from security to economics. Within the ASEAN framework, Indonesia often acts as a mediator in regional disputes and promotes closer cooperation among member states.
In addition, Indonesia also leverages global forums, such as the G20 and the United Nations, to strengthen its position on the international stage. Through active participation in these forums, Indonesia not only advocates for its own interests but also the interests of other developing countries, enhancing its image as a regional and global leader.
Future Challenges
Although Indonesia has demonstrated resilience in navigating power contests in Southeast Asia, new challenges continue to emerge. Climate change, maritime security, and digital economic transformation are some of the issues that will increasingly demand Indonesia’s attention and leadership in the future. How Indonesia responds to these challenges will largely depend on its ability to continue innovating in foreign policy and diplomacy.
Moreover, domestic political dynamics also play a crucial role. The tension between the need to maintain domestic political stability and the demand to be actively engaged on the international stage often creates dilemmas for Indonesian policymakers. Maintaining a balance between these will be key to Indonesia’s success in maintaining its position as a major power in Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
In facing regional contests and complexities, Indonesia has shown its ability to adapt and innovate through a flexible and proactive diplomatic approach. By utilizing the bebas aktif policy as a foundation, Indonesia not only navigates its relationships with major powers but also leads regional efforts to achieve shared stability and prosperity. Amid evolving challenges, Indonesia’s ability to maintain its strategic role in Southeast Asia will continue to be tested. However, with its track record, Indonesia appears ready to continue making significant contributions to maintaining the balance of power in the region.
Link Journal : https://scholar.unair.ac.id/en/publications/how-does-indonesia-exercise-agency-in-the-contested-and-complex-r