Southeast Asia holds a strategic geographical position in global politics, a fact underscored by its long history of international political contestation. From the era of colonialism at the end of the 16th century to the present day, this region has been a focal point of power struggles. ASEAN, as the regional cooperation organization for Southeast Asian nations, is currently facing a critical challenge in the Indo-Pacific region, driven by the escalating rivalry between two major world powers: China and the United States. This competition is inevitable due to Southeast Asia’s strategic location and its abundant resources within the Indo-Pacific region.
Today, the Indo-Pacific has become the world’s most contested maritime zone, with the growing strategic rivalry between the US and China, alongside the security interests of other significant players in the region. ASEAN, as part of the Indo-Pacific, is directly affected by these dynamics. The 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 is crucial, serving as a decisive factor for other small and peripheral countries in the region to align with and support its development. Adopting the Indo-Pacific Strategy presents a complex challenge for Indonesia, as it seeks to balance its commitment to ASEAN principles with the evolving geopolitical landscape.
However, amid the great power rivalry in the region, ASEAN’s response has shown an increasing level of confidence. This confidence is rooted in ASEAN’s early concept of neutrality, exemplified by the Zone of Peace, Freedom, and Neutrality (ZOPFAN) established in 1971. When confronted with such rivalries, ASEAN is not merely neutral but embraces the concept of neutrality. This stance signifies the Southeast Asian countries’ ambition to remain impartial and avoid taking sides in the ongoing power struggles.
Building on this foundation of neutrality, Indonesia has gradually positioned ASEAN to play a more central role. ASEAN 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 cooperationwith its external partners in a regional architecture that is open, transparent and inclusive.” Emphasizing this objective and adhering to the principle of centrality in external political, economic, social, and cultural relations, ASEAN reaffirms its position in the Indo-Pacific.
This approach is evident in the concept of national and regional resilience, aimed at making the region more self-reliant and resilient. From there, the focus shifts to ASEAN centrality, with proactive efforts to shape the regional order. In this context, Indonesia plays a key role in strengthening ASEAN’s position as the region’s economic growth hub, in line with the ASEAN 2023 theme.
Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, has articulated the theme for ASEAN 2023 as “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth.” This theme encompasses two major elements. The first element, ASEAN Matters, emphasizes Indonesia’s commitment to ensuring that ASEAN remains relevant and important, not only for the people of Indonesia but also for the people of ASEAN and beyond. The second element, ASEAN as the Epicentrum of Growth, highlights the fact that economic growth within the ASEAN region consistently outpaces that of other regions. In other words, “ASEAN Matters” signifies Indonesia’s intent to maintain ASEAN’s significance and relevance to the ASEAN community and the world. ASEAN plays a crucial role not only for the countries within the region but also globally, serving as a central driver of peace and regional prosperity. Meanwhile, “Epicentrum of Growth” reflects Indonesia’s ambition to position ASEAN as the center of economic growth, both within the region and globally.
Indonesia’s role as ASEAN Chair in 2023 is strategic, acting as a driving force for peace and prosperity, as well as a leader in shaping regional architecture. This role incorporates elements of collective identity and shared understanding of ASEAN’s interests, which extend beyond Indonesia’s national interests. It aims to benefit regional and global communities while positioning ASEAN as the world’s engine of sustainable growth.
Indonesia has also brought forward the agenda to resume negotiations on the formation of a Code of Conduct (CoC) for the parties involved in disputes in the South China Sea. This initiative is crucial given the rising tensions in the South China Sea, which necessitate the involvement of various stakeholders to foster peace and stability in the region. Additionally, Indonesia plays a significant role in addressing the issues surrounding Myanmar, which have a direct impact on regional stability.
In this context, Indonesia’s actions align with the collective identity and interests of ASEAN, rather than solely advancing its own national interests as an actor in international relations. Indonesia adopts a cooperative approach, enhancing its own security without undermining the security of other ASEAN member states. For Indonesia, ASEAN’s security is of greater importance than its own national security. Given that ASEAN’s economic growth consistently outpaces the global average, there is a pressing need for sustainable growth, enhanced cooperation, food security, energy resilience, healthcare, and financial stability. This would enable ASEAN to fulfill its role as the “epicentrum of growth.”
As ASEAN gradually adopts a foreign policy approach similar to Indonesia’s, which is characterized by a free and active stance, the concept of centrality must be earned. There is a risk that ASEAN could lose its centrality, where it might organize meetings but lack substantial influence. To avoid this, ASEAN must have a clear script or direction. Indonesia envisions ASEAN not just in the driver’s seat but also fully aware of the destination it seeks to achieve.
Indonesia’s pivotal role in ASEAN’s response to the US-China rivalry is grounded in its strategic leadership, diplomatic skill, and dedication to regional stability and economic growth. By reinforcing ASEAN’s centrality and championing a stance of neutrality, Indonesia has emerged as a crucial mediator in the Indo-Pacific, guiding the path of Southeast Asia’s economic resurgence and securing regional peace and prosperity. Through these efforts, Indonesia ensures that ASEAN remains a key player in navigating the complex dynamics of global power competition.