Indonesia's Approach to the Global South and Its Implications in the Indo-Pacific Region

Indonesia occupies an important and significant position in the Global South, and its important geo-strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region will impact the geopolitics of the region and the Global South.

- Balaji Mohan

To start with, Indonesia occupies a key geo-strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region, connecting Asia to the wider Pacific region in the Southern Hemisphere. It straddles the confluence of two important regions—the Indian and the South-West Pacific. Important sea lanes run through or near its territory, including, in particular, the Strait of Malacca.

In this context, Indonesia’s position and aspirations are encouraging a maritime approach to security, one that differs from its previous inward-looking security focus. It has released a new maritime doctrine and begun steps to modernize and increase the Indonesian Navy. A 'greenwater' blueprint envisages a 274-ship navy by 2024. This is Indonesia's largest naval modernization plan in more than 40 years, and it will substantially increase the country's profile in the Indo-Pacific region.

With the emergence of the Indo-Pacific region as a key geo-strategic entity, Indonesia, at the confluence of both Indian and Pacific segments, is becoming more important not only in the region but also in the wider Global South politics. Its profile in the international arena is growing. It has expanded the range and scope of its diplomatic initiatives while transitioning from a primarily continental, inward-looking strategic orientation to an expanding maritime outlook, extending its strategic reach in the wider Indo-Pacific region.

Along with its enhanced presence in the Indo-Pacific region, it has sought to formulate a grand strategy. Furthermore, Indonesia has become important in the United States' forward policy or pivot in the Indo-Pacific region. The archipelago is a 'gateway zone' for the Eurasian rimland and the offshore continent of Australia, which is an important player in the Global South.