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Distinct elements of Indonesia's Indo-Pacific framework
This framework is Indonesia’s contribution to inclusive, stable and peaceful international order.
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Serious: Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi listens during the ASEAN-New Zealand ministerial meeting, part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regional security forum in suburban Manila on August 6, 2017. (AFP/Romeo Ranoco)
R
ecently, Jakarta has been very enthusiastic about the Indo-Pacific axiom. The President has mentioned it several times, his ministers have articulated it on many occasions and scholars have discussed it extensively.
Nonetheless, there is no clarity, let alone an authoritative interpretation on the concept. There is a danger that Indonesia’s Indo-Pacific framework stays exclusive for the elites.
Here, I’ll offer a perspective regarding Indonesia’s Indo-Pacific framework to demonstrate several elements in Indonesia’s Indo-Pacific framework that make it understandable and relevant.
First, Indonesia’s Indo-Pacific framework does not correspond to that of former United States president Barack Obama’s “pivot to Asia” or India’s “Look East Policy” or China’s “Belt and Road Initiative”, let alone Trump’s Indo-Pacific strategy. It is not mainly about Indonesia or its foreign policy guideline. It does not exclusively advance Indonesia’s agenda either and should be a common framework for all countries in the region.
Second, undeniably, China’s assertiveness is the main drive of Trump’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Stating that Trump’s Indo-Pacific strategy is going to exclude no country means placating China. When the Quad (the US, India, Australia, Japan) emphasizes compliance with international law, they also refer to China.
No matter how the Quad covers their anxiety about China, the whole world knows they aim to contain China’s assertiveness in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is clear that Trump’s Indo-Pacific strategy will intensify the rivalry between the Quad and China.
Indonesia seems to avoid getting trapped in the rivalry. Jakarta does not wish to exclude China in its Indo-Pacific framework. It welcomes China’s role in the Indo-Pacific region and encourages China’s positive contribution. Only by engagement can we assure that China maintains the order.
