Reinventing Indonesia’s Diplomacy: The Foreign Policy Legacy of Every President

It’s been a while since I’ve written as a student of International Relations. Diving back into the intricacies of Indonesia’s foreign policy feels like reconnecting with an old passion. As someone who has always been fascinated by how leaders shape their countries’ interactions with the world, I find it intriguing to see how each of Indonesia’s presidents has put their mark on our foreign policy. Each one has navigated the complexities of global politics differently, reflecting their own priorities and the challenges of their era. Let’s explore how these leaders have influenced Indonesia’s position on the world stage and the principles they have championed.

1. Soekarno (1945-1967): The Pioneer of Independent and Active Diplomacy

Soekarno’s era was marked by his vision of “Bebas dan Aktif” (Independent and Active) foreign policy. Embracing the spirit of anti-colonialism and nationalism, Soekarno positioned Indonesia as a key player in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) during the Cold War. His diplomatic approach aimed to maintain independence from both Western and Eastern blocs while promoting solidarity among newly independent countries. The Bandung Conference of 1955, which he spearheaded, remains a milestone in Indonesia’s diplomatic history, showcasing his commitment to anti-imperialism and the unity of developing nations.

2. Soeharto (1967-1998): Pragmatic and Economic Diplomacy

Soeharto’s foreign policy shifted from Soekarno’s ideological stance to a more pragmatic approach. His focus was on economic development and stability, fostering stronger ties with Western countries, especially the United States, Japan, and Western Europe. This pragmatic turn allowed Indonesia to receive foreign aid and investments, crucial for economic growth during the New Order regime. The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) also gained prominence under Soeharto, emphasizing regional cooperation and stability as key components of Indonesia’s foreign policy. The shift was evident as Indonesia became more involved in economic and security cooperation in Southeast Asia.

3. B.J. Habibie (1998-1999): Transition and Openness

B.J. Habibie’s short presidency was a period of political and economic transition following the Asian Financial Crisis. Despite his brief tenure, he continued the pragmatic foreign policy approach but also focused on reforming Indonesia’s global image. He opened dialogues with international partners to stabilize the economy and rebuild trust. Habibie’s decision to allow East Timor’s referendum in 1999 marked a pivotal moment in Indonesia’s foreign policy, showing a willingness to engage with international principles of self-determination despite domestic and political costs.

4. Abdurrahman Wahid (1999-2001): A Vision for Global Engagement

Under Abdurrahman Wahid, also known as Gus Dur, Indonesia's foreign policy saw a more global and inclusive outlook. He sought to strengthen relations with countries in the Middle East, championing the idea of “Islamic solidarity” while maintaining strong ties with Western nations. Gus Dur’s vision was to present Indonesia as a democratic and moderate Islamic nation, emphasizing human rights and global cooperation. Despite his short presidency, his approach was a departure from the previous regimes, broadening Indonesia’s diplomatic reach beyond its traditional partners.

5. Megawati Soekarnoputri (2001-2004): Stability and Regional Focus

Megawati’s foreign policy aimed at ensuring regional stability and solidifying ASEAN’s role. She continued to emphasize Indonesia’s role in regional diplomacy, especially in maintaining peace and cooperation in Southeast Asia. Economic cooperation and security within the ASEAN framework remained a priority, reflecting a cautious and stability-focused approach. Megawati’s presidency marked a period of maintaining Indonesia’s position as a responsible regional leader.

6. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (2004-2014): The Era of “Thousand Friends, Zero Enemies”

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) introduced a new foreign policy mantra—“Seribu Kawan, Tanpa Musuh” (A Thousand Friends, Zero Enemies). His administration focused on building friendly ties with as many countries as possible, emphasizing diplomatic and economic partnerships. SBY’s approach aimed at positioning Indonesia as a bridge between the developed and developing worlds, promoting peace and conflict resolution. Indonesia’s active participation in UN peacekeeping missions and its prominent role in global forums such as the G20 and APEC underscored SBY’s commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation.

7. Joko Widodo (2014-Present): Maritime Fulcrum and Economic Diplomacy

Joko Widodo (Jokowi) introduced the concept of the “Global Maritime Fulcrum,” reflecting Indonesia’s strategic position as an archipelagic state. Jokowi’s foreign policy has been focused on strengthening maritime security, regional connectivity, and economic partnerships. Emphasizing infrastructure development and investment, Jokowi has aimed to attract foreign investors to boost Indonesia’s economy. His administration’s focus has been pragmatic, prioritizing economic benefits and regional stability over ideological or political ambitions. Through initiatives such as the Indo-Pacific framework, Jokowi has sought to enhance Indonesia’s strategic influence while maintaining a strong focus on ASEAN centrality.

The Evolution of Indonesia’s Foreign Policy

Indonesia’s foreign policy has been shaped by the vision and priorities of its leaders, reflecting the nation’s evolving role in global affairs. From Soekarno’s ideological stance to Jokowi’s pragmatic economic focus, each president has contributed to the development of a foreign policy that adapts to changing times and challenges.

Now, as Indonesia prepares to transition to a new leader, I find myself curious about the direction the country will take under Prabowo Subianto’s presidency. What kind of foreign policy vision will he bring, and how will it align with Indonesia’s long-standing principles of independence and active diplomacy? Only time will tell, but it’s an exciting moment to witness another chapter in Indonesia’s diplomatic history unfold.