Since President Joko Widodo
took office and announced his administration’s priorities last year, many
wondered if Indonesia still took its foreign relations seriously. But as Joko
is under pressure to show some tangible successes — in terms of jobs, income
and prosperity — Indonesian foreign policy is becoming more pragmatic. Economic
diplomacy — getting foreign businesses to invest in the country while
stimulating exports — is becoming the new mantra.
Joko’s predecessor,
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, managed to put Indonesia on the regional map as a
leader and peace broker by actively engaging in many international issues, from
disputes in the South China Sea to Myanmar’s democratization. His foreign
policy, however, was often criticized as being more concerned with image-making
than with tangible results.
During his trip to
Japan and China, Joko has managed to utilize his predecessor’s achievements to
woo both Chinese and Japanese investment. Using Indonesia’s strong image as
Southeast Asia’s leading nation, while being fully aware of Sino-Japan rivalry,
Joko subtly handled thorny security and political issues important to the
regional powers.
As if to remind his
hosts of Indonesia’s relevance, Joko said shortly before arriving in China that
Beijing’s claim to almost the entire South China Sea had no basis in
international law, but added that Jakarta wanted to remain an honest broker.
And guess what? Joko
has brought home billions of dollars in committed investment. His trip to Japan
and China has put Indonesia back onto the regional geopolitical map.
From now on, however,
Joko must actively seek to solve regional disputes, to back up the statements
he made. If he doesn’t, his words will be seen as cheap talk, and that is the
last thing Indonesia — and the region — need. Jakarta Globe
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