A New Era in Indonesia: Prabowo’s Diplomatic Promises for Peace and Regional Stability

Indonesia, as the largest archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia, holds a unique position in the region’s geopolitical landscape. With its strategic location, abundant resources, and growing economic clout, Indonesia plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Southeast Asia. Under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia is entering a new era in its foreign policy—one characterized by a renewed commitment to peace, regional stability, and strengthening diplomatic ties with both traditional allies and emerging partners. As a former defense minister, Prabowo brings a strong national security perspective to the presidency, shaping his vision for Indonesia’s role in the broader global and regional order.

Prabowo’s diplomatic goals center on ensuring Indonesia’s sovereignty while fostering cooperation across Southeast Asia and beyond. With his administration, Indonesia aims to balance assertiveness in protecting its national interests with a focus on diplomatic engagement and multilateralism. Prabowo’s foreign policy promises suggest a more active and assertive role for Indonesia in maintaining peace, promoting security, and reinforcing its position as a key player in the ASEAN community.

One of the cornerstones of Prabowo’s diplomatic vision is a strong commitment to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). As a founding member of ASEAN, Indonesia has always been at the forefront of promoting regional cooperation. Prabowo’s administration promises to revitalize ASEAN as a unified force capable of addressing the complex security and economic challenges faced by the region.

Prabowo has expressed his belief in ASEAN centrality in the face of rising global tensions. With the shifting dynamics of power in the Asia-Pacific, particularly the growing rivalry between major powers such as the United States and China, ASEAN’s unity becomes even more crucial. Prabowo’s foreign policy strategy envisions Indonesia playing a leading role in ensuring that ASEAN remains a cohesive and influential bloc. Under his leadership, Indonesia will push for stronger regional mechanisms for conflict resolution, economic collaboration, and collective security.

Prabowo’s diplomatic approach stresses the importance of maintaining ASEAN’s neutral stance, avoiding the temptation to become entangled in the power struggles between global superpowers. He envisions Indonesia as a bridge-builder within ASEAN, promoting dialogue and mutual understanding between member states while protecting the region’s collective autonomy from external pressures.

One of the most contentious issues in Southeast Asia’s geopolitical landscape is the South China Sea, a vital waterway with significant strategic and economic importance. The ongoing territorial disputes in the region, involving China and several ASEAN member states, including Indonesia, have the potential to escalate into broader conflicts if not managed carefully. Prabowo has emphasized the importance of a peaceful resolution to these disputes, based on international law and respect for sovereignty.

Prabowo’s administration promises to take a firm yet diplomatic stance on the South China Sea issue. Indonesia has long maintained that it is not a direct claimant in the territorial disputes but has faced challenges over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around the Natuna Islands, which are located in the contested waters. Prabowo has pledged to protect Indonesia’s territorial integrity while advocating for multilateral discussions to resolve disputes in a peaceful and cooperative manner.

Under Prabowo’s leadership, Indonesia will continue to engage in dialogues with other claimant states and international stakeholders to ensure the peaceful use of the South China Sea. His administration will work to strengthen regional maritime security frameworks, collaborating with ASEAN partners and external powers such as the United States and Japan to ensure freedom of navigation and uphold international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

While ASEAN remains central to Prabowo’s foreign policy, Indonesia under his leadership is also focused on building stronger diplomatic and economic ties with key global powers. Prabowo has underscored the importance of balancing relationships with major nations such as the United States, China, Japan, and India, while preserving Indonesia’s strategic autonomy.

Prabowo has expressed a commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s partnership with the United States, particularly in areas of defense and security. Given his background as former defense minister, Prabowo understands the importance of maintaining strong defense cooperation with the U.S., especially in ensuring regional stability. However, his administration also seeks to avoid dependency on any one foreign power, promoting a foreign policy of non-alignment that ensures Indonesia remains an independent actor in international affairs.

At the same time, Prabowo recognizes the importance of economic relations with China, given its growing influence in the region. His administration promises to continue engaging with China on economic issues, particularly in trade and infrastructure development. However, Prabowo has also made it clear that Indonesia will maintain a critical stance on issues where national interests are at stake, including the South China Sea and other regional security concerns.

In addition to the U.S. and China, Prabowo’s foreign policy priorities also include enhancing ties with Japan and India. Indonesia seeks to deepen cooperation with Japan in areas such as technology, infrastructure, and energy, while strengthening its relationship with India through increased trade and security collaboration, particularly in maritime security.

As a former defense minister, Prabowo brings a strong defense perspective to his foreign policy. His administration plans to enhance Indonesia’s defense diplomacy by building stronger relationships with neighboring countries and global partners. This includes expanding military-to-military cooperation, joint training exercises, and peacekeeping operations that promote regional security.

Prabowo has emphasized that a strong defense is essential for maintaining peace and stability in the region. However, he is equally committed to ensuring that Indonesia’s defense posture is one of peace and cooperation, rather than confrontation. Indonesia will continue to strengthen its defense capabilities, but under Prabowo’s leadership, it will also focus on collaborative security efforts within ASEAN and beyond.

Prabowo’s government plans to deepen defense cooperation with ASEAN countries, particularly in combating transnational threats such as terrorism, piracy, and human trafficking. By fostering closer defense ties, Indonesia aims to contribute to regional security frameworks that help maintain peace and stability across Southeast Asia.

Prabowo has also expressed a commitment to promoting humanitarian diplomacy as part of Indonesia’s broader foreign policy agenda. Indonesia has long been involved in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, and Prabowo’s administration aims to expand the country’s role in these areas.

Prabowo envisions Indonesia as a force for good on the global stage, using its influence to support international peace efforts, address global humanitarian crises, and advocate for climate action. Under his leadership, Indonesia will continue to work through multilateral organizations such as the United Nations, where the country has a long history of active participation, to address global challenges such as poverty, human rights, and environmental sustainability.

Prabowo’s diplomatic promises for Indonesia’s future center on the principles of peace, stability, and constructive engagement. By strengthening ASEAN, advocating for peaceful resolution of regional disputes, building strong relationships with global powers, and enhancing Indonesia’s defense capabilities, Prabowo aims to secure Indonesia’s place as a leader in Southeast Asia and a respected global actor.

Through his diplomatic efforts, Prabowo seeks to ensure that Indonesia remains a stable, peaceful, and prosperous nation that contributes to the broader stability of the Asia-Pacific region. His administration’s foreign policy promises reflect a deep commitment to protecting Indonesia’s sovereignty while promoting cooperation and peace on the global stage. As Indonesia enters this new era under Prabowo’s leadership, the country is poised to play an even more influential role in shaping the future of Southeast Asia and beyond.