Indonesia is stepping onto the global stage with renewed ambition and complexity. Under the new administration of President Prabowo Subianto, the nation is engaging with different global powers, showcasing both its geopolitical savvy and its desire to navigate the tricky waters of international relations without taking sides. This balancing act is exemplified by Indonesia's latest military exercises with Russia, marking the first joint maneuvers between the two countries' naval forces since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The maritime exercises, dubbed Orruda 24, commenced with the arrival of three Russian warships, including corvettes Gromky and Rezky, at the port of Surabaya. Indonesian navy officials referred to the drills as part of long-standing cooperation between Indonesia and Russia, highlighting the significance of military partnerships. Commodore I Made Wira Hady Arsanta Wardhana described them as “an actualisation of international partnership.” This sentiment underlines Indonesia's historical roots as one of the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement, which sought to maintain neutrality during the Cold War.
Before officially taking office, President Subianto had already met with prominent leaders like Xi Jinping of China and Vladimir Putin. His overtures to Russia indicate his intention to sustain and improve relations with Moscow, asserting, “We see Russia as a great friend.” Yet, this does not mean Subianto is shutting himself off from the West. He is scheduled for diplomatic trips to various nations, including the U.S., Peru, and Brazil, and has also engaged with Ukraine’s President Zelensky and French President Macron.
The diversity of Subianto's diplomatic engagements suggests he is paving the way for Indonesia to be more than just Southeast Asia's largest nation. With over 280 million people, it's not just about its population; it's about leveraging Indonesia's position to be more influential on the world stage.
Although some analysts suggest Subianto's past as the former commander of Indonesia's special forces could overshadow his administration, much focus will be on Indonesia's potential as part of the BRICS grouping. This collaboration already includes major players like Brazil, China, Russia, and India, as well as several other nations. Subianto openly supports Indonesia's inclusion, which could mark significant shifts for the nation, particularly its economic strategies.
Despite its size, Indonesia's voice has often been sidelined globally. The previous administration under Joko Widodo shied away from deep international engagement. But with Subianto at the helm, that's changing. He is advocating for Indonesia to adopt a more proactive role within global economic decisions. Part of this endeavor involves fostering economic partnerships and participating actively within G20 meetings—a platform recently dominated by countries from the Global South.
Looking to the future, Indonesia also faces the challenge of addressing its past, especially with leaders such as Subianto—who has been associated with human rights abuses during the three decades of Suharto's dictatorship. Questions surrounding his military actions during the troubled 1990s and the subsequent human rights violations linger over his international engagements, particularly as he embarks on his world tour. His administration's success will likely depend on how he navigates this tumultuous past.
Approaching his leadership with what seems to be strategic ambiguity, Subianto is promoting multifaceted relationships both within and outside Southeast Asia. Today, Indonesia stands at the crossroads, embracing opportunities for cooperation with superpowers without becoming entangled in prevailing geopolitical conflicts. The world watches closely, curious about how this balancing act will shape Indonesia's policies and influence on the global stage. Will Subianto's administration be successful at fostering its international relationships, or will historical challenges hinder these efforts? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Indonesia is ready to make its mark, amid tensions among major global players.
