ARTICLES

24 Feb 2023

Recent Clashes at Chinese Companies in Indonesia Might be Fodder for Political Manipulation

Deasy Simandjuntak|Aswin Lin

A fatal incident last month involving a Chinese-owned mining company raises the spectre of political opportunists exploiting anti-Chinese sentiments in the run-up to Indonesia’s 2024 elections.

11 Nov 2022

Sino-Indonesian Relations: Getting Closer or Further Apart?

Siwage Dharma Negara|Leo Suryadinata

China’s trade and investment in Indonesia have grown substantially since the early 2000s but the Indonesian public does not share Jakarta’s desire to wholeheartedly embrace Beijing.

China-Indonesia Relations Indonesia

31 Jan 2022

China’s Faith Diplomacy Towards Muslim Bodies in Indonesia: Bearing Fruit

Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat

China's faith diplomacy towards Muslims organisations in Indonesia appears to have silenced critics of its policy towards the Uighurs in Xinjiang.

China-Indonesia Relations Indonesia Indonesian Politics Islam

8 Dec 2021

Indonesia and China’s Maritime Grey Zone Strategy: In Denial

Evan A. Laksmana

China has subjected Indonesia to maritime grey zone tactics in the South China Sea, much like how Beijing treats disputant states in the South China Sea. While Jakarta is technically not a disputant state, it is in denial about Beijing’s increasingly assertive actions.

China-Indonesia Relations Indonesia South China Sea

14 Oct 2021

North Natuna Sea: Indonesia Needs More Than a Military Strategy

Aristyo Rizka Darmawan

To deter Chinese activities in the North Natuna Sea, Indonesia needs to complement its military assets in the area with a strong civilian presence.

China-Indonesia Relations Indonesia South China Sea

22 Sep 2021

China’s Recent Foray into the North Natuna Sea is Problematic

Aristyo Rizka Darmawan

A Chinese survey ship was reported to be operating in Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone in the North Natuna Sea last week. This is not new, but this time the survey ship was reportedly accompanied by at least six Chinese naval vessels. Jakarta should consider a firm response to Beijing.

China China-Indonesia Relations Indonesia South China Sea

1 Sep 2021

Retno Goes to Washington: Indonesia Sticks to ‘Free and Active’ Foreign Policy

Leo Suryadinata|William Choong

Washington has played up its growing relationship with Jakarta. For the latter, it is all about what Jakarta can get from the closer ties, and balancing its position within the Sino-US relationship.

China-Indonesia Relations Indonesia U.S. Foreign Policy

22 Jul 2021

Indonesia’s Defence Procurement Strategy: Diversification but at What Cost?

Ian Storey

Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto has been on an accelerated drive to modernise the TNI. But there are significant drawbacks to his procurement strategy of diversification.

China-Indonesia Relations Indonesia U.S.

16 Jun 2021

China’s Submarine Salvage Operation for Indonesia: A Double-edged Sword?

Ian Storey

China recently offered assistance to Indonesia in salvaging a stricken submarine. On the surface, the offer could be purely altruistic. But there could be more than meets the eye.

China China-Indonesia Relations Indonesia

15 Jun 2021

China and Indonesia: The Limits of Transactionalism

Aristyo Rizka Darmawan

Indonesia’s transactional approach in its relations with China has its merits. But there are limits, given the need for Jakarta to maintain relationships with other regional powers.

China China-Indonesia Relations Indonesia