The Moment of a Rising Power: Indonesia’s Foreign Policy Activism, 2004-2014

Mohammad Rosyidin

doi:10.33822/mjihi.v4i1.2892

Abstract

During the reign of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Indonesia’s foreign policy showed a high level of global participation. It had been recognized as a pivotal state by the international community. It played an important role in many international issues ranging from international security, economy, democracy and human rights, to climate change. In addition, the robust economic growth and the defence budget policy had contributed to the road toward a rising power status. This paper is a critical review of the literatures on the moment Indonesia’s rise in international politics during the Yudhoyono presidency. The focus of this paper is to identify the driving factors behind the rise of Indonesia towards a global power. This paper concludes that ideational factors primarily the idea of the elite play a crucial role beyond the economic and military structures.

Highlights

Indonesia’s foreign policy has always been attracted many people, especially for non-Indonesians
For the sake of conceptual clarity, this paper argues that a rising power is a country that demonstrate an ambition to play a greater role in international politics
This paper argues that ideational elements plays a major role in determining whether Indonesia is rising or not

Summary

Introduction

Indonesia’s foreign policy has always been attracted many people, especially for non-Indonesians. He exemplified one of prominent Indonesia’s foreign policy agenda during Yudhoyono era is to promote the values of Islam and democracy. This paper argues that ideational elements plays a major role in determining whether Indonesia is rising or not This is not to say that material elements primarily economic and defence posture are not important; it matters since a country would not be able to uphold its global visions without robust national power. It can be concluded that ideas and beliefs held by President Yudhoyono are critical elements behind the ambition and aspiration of Indonesia’s foreign policy East Asian countries as strategic partners; and third, ASEAN is not an exclusive forum where Indonesia rely on it in order to achieve security (pp. 288-289)

Pacific centrality in contemporary

Intergovernmental Commission on Human

Conclusion

Indonesia di tengah Pusaran

National Bureau of Asian

New Dynamics of Global