ARTICLES

16 Apr 2026

Indonesia’s ‘In-Between’ Foreign Policy

Radityo Dharmaputra

Indonesia has sound reasons for consistently staking out a diplomatic middle ground, but not taking sides on all issues could leave no one impressed.

15 Dec 2025

Rebalancing Indonesia’s Trade Policy: After Prabowo’s First Year

Deasy Pane|Siwage Dharma Negara

Indonesia has its work cut out for it given tough headwinds in global trade, but the present government’s attempts to tack its sails may give the country a chance to move in the right direction.

Indonesia Indonesia Foreign Policy Indonesian Economy

17 Apr 2025

Are the Russians Coming to Indonesia?

Ian Storey

Indonesia has put paid to rumours that Russia is seeking an air base in Papua. Still, Papua’s proximity to the US force presence in Guam and Australia gives Moscow a clear strategic interest in pursuing the idea.

Indonesia Indonesia Foreign Policy Indonesia-Russia Relations Russia

14 Mar 2025

Indonesia’s Probable Foreign Policy Shift from the West under a Prabowo Administration

Melinda Martinus

Under Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia is expected to further distance itself from traditional Western alliances — a trend initiated during Jokowi’s administration — by prioritising partnerships within Asia, particularly with China for trade and investment, and strengthening regional cooperation through ASEAN and BRICS.

China Indonesia Indonesia Foreign Policy US

27 Jan 2025

Assessing Indonesia’s Relations with the US After Joining BRICS

Siwage Dharma Negara|Leo Suryadinata

Indonesia has joined the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa organisation. How will this impact its ties with the United States?

BRICS Indonesia Indonesia Foreign Policy US

15 Oct 2024

Outlook for the Prabowo Administration’s Foreign Policy

Julia Lau

Incoming Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto can be expected to be more active than his predecessor in managing Indonesia’s foreign and defence policy. The question is whether the region will see a more assertive Indonesia under Prabowo.

Indonesia Indonesia Foreign Policy

27 Sep 2024

Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s Visit to Moscow: Laying the Groundwork for Enhanced Ties with Russia

Ian Storey

Defence Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Russia on 31 July 2024 was a signal that his administration intends to pursue a balanced foreign policy vis-à-vis the major powers, and one that envisages a bigger role for Russia.

Indonesia Indonesia Foreign Policy Indonesia-Russia Relations Russia Ukraine

16 Apr 2024

Analysing Prabowo Subianto’s Visits to China, Japan, and Malaysia

Leo Suryadinata|Siwage Dharma Negara

A defence minister’s courtesy calls take on a different significance, albeit only slightly, when he will take over as Indonesia’s president in a matter of months.

China Indonesia Indonesia Foreign Policy Japan Malaysia

8 Mar 2024

New President, Same Foreign Policy? Decoding Indonesia’s Foreign Policy Direction Post-Presidential Election 2024

Indira Zahra Aridati|Melinda Martinus

Indira Zahra Aridati and Melinda Martinus assess that while there may not be a significant change in terms of substance, Indonesia’s foreign policy will see subtle changes influenced by the incoming president’s background and beliefs, and competing domestic concerns affecting democratic consolidation.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Indonesia Indonesia Foreign Policy

President Jokowi and PM Anthony Albanese visited the Sumatran tigers at Taronga Zoo, Sydney on July 4, 2023 (photo: AlboMP / Twitter)

10 Jul 2023

Indonesia Looks East: Widodo’s Engagement with Australia and Papua New Guinea

Julia Lau

Despite earlier misgivings about his overly domestic focus, President Joko Widodo’s recent trip to Australia underscores how he has matured as a statesman and improved bilateral ties with Indonesia’s southern neighbour. Indonesia’s growing middle power influence was illustrated by Widodo’s subsequent visit to Papua New Guinea.

Australia Indonesia Indonesia Foreign Policy