After all, many Indonesians became skeptical when the agreement to build a strategic partnership — reached between then-president Barrack Obama and President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo in 2015 — went dormant after Donald Trump became president in 2017. And, given the state of American domestic politics, the prospect of Trump returning to power in 2024 cannot be underestimated.

Building the foundation for stronger ties between the US and Indonesia, however, should not be constrained by political uncertainties in the US. That is why, on the occasion of Blinken’s visit, both countries renewed their commitment to cooperating closer by signing a number of agreements.

The two signed a memorandum of understanding  (MoU) on the Extension of Maritime Cooperation, which includes maritime security cooperation. They also agreed to strengthen security cooperation by establishing a two-plus-two dialog mechanism between senior officials from ministries of foreign affairs and defense. More importantly, the two countries promised to increase economic cooperation and cooperate further on other important issues such as climate change, public health and education.

From the geopolitical perspective, Blinken’s visit is seen as part of Washington’s attempt to reclaim its strategic position in Southeast Asia. The US believes that China’s strategic influence in Southeast Asia has grown considerably. That influence will continue to deepen to the point of presenting a serious challenge to US strategic interests.

And as President Biden has declared that the US is now engaged in a strategic competition with China, Indonesia is seen as a key player in Southeast Asia with whom the US has not engaged closely within the context of its rivalry with China.

Indeed, Ben Bland of the Lowy Institute has pointed out in his New York Times (NYT) opinion, that a non-aligned Indonesia is vital “in the geopolitical contest of our time between the United States and China” and, therefore, urged the US to use Secretary Blinken’s visit “to kick start a sustained charm offensive to bring the world’s third-largest democracy closer”.

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