Southeast Asia occupies a strategic geographic position in global politics, underscored by a long history of international political competition. From the era of colonialism at the end of the 16th century to the present day, the region has been the focal point of power struggles. ASEAN, the regional cooperation organization for Southeast Asian countries, is currently facing a critical challenge in the Indo-Pacific region, driven by the growing rivalry between the two major world powers, China and the United States. Due to Southeast Asia’s strategic location and its abundant resources in the Indo-Pacific region, this competition is inevitable.
Today, the Indo-Pacific has become the world’s most contested maritime region, with growing strategic competition between the US and China, along with the security interests of other significant players in the region. ASEAN, the Indo-Pacific region, is directly affected by these dynamics. Indo-Pacific strategy introduces external influences and intensifies power competition, which may challenge the resilience of ASEAN’s core principles.
ASEAN’s position in the Indo-Pacific region is crucial as it acts as a decisive factor in connecting and supporting other small and peripheral countries in the region with its development. Adopting an Indo-Pacific strategy poses a complex challenge for Indonesia as it seeks to balance its commitment to ASEAN principles with the evolving geopolitical landscape.
However, amid great power competition in the region, ASEAN’s response shows growing optimism. This belief is rooted in ASEAN’s early concept of neutrality, exemplified by the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN) established in 1971. In the face of such rivalries, ASEAN embraces the concept of neutrality. This position represents a non-partisan stance of Southeast Asian countries and avoids taking sides in current power struggles.
Building on this foundation of neutrality, Indonesia has gradually positioned itself to play an important role in ASEAN. ASEAN’s centrality in international relations and cooperation with external actors is one of ASEAN’s goals, as stated in the ASEAN Charter:To maintain the centrality and proactive role of ASEAN as the primary driving force in its relations and cooperation with its external partners in an open, transparent and inclusive regional framework..” Emphasizing this objective and adopting a central policy in external political, economic, social and cultural relations, ASEAN reaffirms its position in the Indo-Pacific region.
This approach is evident in the concept of national and regional resilience, which aims to make the region more self-reliant and resilient. From there, the focus shifts to the ASEAN core, with proactive efforts to shape the regional order. In this context, in line with the ASEAN 2023 theme, Indonesia plays an important role in strengthening ASEAN’s position as the region’s economic development hub.
Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi announced the theme for ASEAN 2023 as “ASEAN Matters: The Center for Development.” This theme consists of two main elements. The first element, ASEAN Matters, emphasizes Indonesia’s commitment to ensure that ASEAN is relevant and important not only to the people of Indonesia, but also to the people of ASEAN and beyond. The second element is ASEAN as the center of development, where economic growth in the ASEAN region continues to influence other regions. Exemplifies that there is more than, in other words, „ASEAN matters” signifies Indonesia’s intention to maintain ASEAN’s importance and relevance to the ASEAN community and the world. ASEAN plays an important role not only for countries in the region but also globally, serving as a central driver of peace and regional prosperity. Meanwhile, „Center of development” reflects Indonesia’s ambition to position ASEAN as a center of economic growth regionally and globally.
Indonesia’s role as ASEAN Chair in 2023 is strategic, acting as a driving force for peace and prosperity and as a leader in shaping the regional architecture. This role includes elements of collective identity and shared understanding of ASEAN’s interests beyond Indonesia’s national interests. It aims to benefit regional and global communities while positioning ASEAN as the world’s engine of sustainable development.
Indonesia has also put forward an agenda for resuming negotiations on the creation of a Code of Conduct (CoC) for parties involved in disputes in the South China Sea. This initiative is important given the rising tensions in the South China Sea, which requires the engagement of various stakeholders to foster peace and stability in the region. In addition, Indonesia plays a significant role in resolving issues surrounding Myanmar, which has a direct impact on regional stability.
In this context, Indonesia’s actions are consistent with the collective identity and interests of ASEAN rather than merely advancing its own national interests as an actor in international relations. Indonesia pursues a cooperative approach to enhance its own security without undermining the security of other ASEAN member states. For Indonesia, ASEAN’s security is more important than its own national security. As ASEAN’s economic growth continues to exceed the global average, there is a pressing need for sustainable development, improved cooperation, food security, energy resilience, health and financial stability. This will help ASEAN fulfill its role as a „hub for growth”.
ASEAN is gradually adopting a foreign policy approach similar to that of Indonesia, characterized by an independent and proactive stance, the concept of centralization should be derived. ASEAN risks losing its core, where it can organize meetings but lack substantial influence. To avoid this, ASEAN should have a clear script or direction. Indonesia is not only in the driver’s seat of ASEAN, but also fully aware of the goal it wants to achieve.
Indonesia’s key role in ASEAN’s response to the US-China rivalry is based on its strategic leadership, diplomatic skills, and commitment to regional stability and economic development. By strengthening ASEAN’s centrality and maintaining a neutral stance, Indonesia has emerged as an important mediator in the Indo-Pacific region, leading the way for Southeast Asia’s economic revival and safeguarding regional peace and prosperity. Through these efforts, Indonesia is ensuring that ASEAN is an important partner in navigating the complex dynamics of global power competition.