a cura di Alessandro Fanetti
A dialogue to try to better understand Indonesia, a country too little known in the West but very important in Asian and global geopolitical dynamics.From “internal architecture” to relations with China (not always easy), from the vision of the “new world” that is emerging to the link with Italy, a few words from a scholar who deals with these issues directly from that “part of the world.”
- Indonesia is a country that is, in general and unfortunately, too little known in the West Countries. Instead, I believe that it has a very important geopolitical (and not only) role. Can you give us a brief introduction to your country, first and foremost from the point of domestic politics and the constitutional set-up?
Indonesia is the third largest democracy in the world with a presidential republic system governed by the 1945 Constitution. The president serves as the head of state and government and has been directly elected by the people since 2004. Legislative power is exercised by the DPR and DPD within the framework of the MPR, while judicial power is held by the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court. Since the 1998 Reform, Indonesia has experienced democratic consolidation through competitive elections, decentralization of power, and strengthening of civilian supremacy, although it still faces institutional challenges such as corruption and inequality. Indonesia is often seen as a model of moderate democracy in the Muslim world.
- The “geopolitical world” is changing. In particular, we are witnessing a clash between the unipolar axis and those who aspire to the birth of a new multipolar world. What is Indonesia’s role in this situation?
In the transition from a unipolar to a multipolar order, Indonesia plays the role of a middle power with a free and active foreign policy. Indonesia rejects bloc politics and positions itself as a balancing force through multilateralism, particularly in ASEAN, the G20, and the Non-Aligned Movement. Its main focus is to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region, strengthen ASEAN Centrality, and support a rules-based international order without siding with any particular major power.
- China is gaining a more significant geopolitical role from year to year. What are Indonesia – China relations, primarily on highly sensitive regional issues (for example Taiwan)?
Indonesia and China have a strategic relationship, particularly in the economic and investment fields, with Beijing as Indonesia’s main trading partner. On the Taiwan issue, Indonesia consistently supports the One China Policy and rejects military escalation that threatens regional stability. However, Indonesia takes a firm stance on the South China Sea issue, particularly in the North Natuna EEZ, rejecting the nine-dash line claim and adhering to UNCLOS 1982. Economic relations do not diminish Indonesia’s firmness on sovereignty and international law.
- I’m from Italy, so I would ask you to send a message to Italy. And how Italy is viewed in Indonesia, first of all from the point of view of its geopolitical role, but also in general.
Italy is seen as an important actor in Europe and the European Union, especially in multilateral diplomacy, humanitarian issues, and global peace. Bilateral relations between Indonesia and Italy are positive and stable, with great potential in trade, education, culture, and maritime security. At the community level, Italy has strong soft power through its culture, history, and lifestyle. Indonesia sees Italy as a strategic partner to strengthen European-Indo-Pacific cooperation amid global geopolitical changes.
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