Singapura’s The Straits Times in an article titled “Optimism in ASEAN as Prabowo Presidency Heralds a More Active Role for Indonesia” refers to Prabowo Subianto as a figure believed to be capable of bringing Indonesia to play a more active role in ASEAN.
The article, released on Saturday (17/2), also quotes the statement of Executive Director of Asialink Business in Melbourne, Leigh Howard. He said that Prabowo often voices a more balanced foreign policy and strives to partner with many countries, including Asian countries.
“As defense minister, Prabowo is known for advocating a more balanced foreign policy and seeking partnerships with many countries, including Asian countries. As a presidential candidate, he mentioned the need for a strong maritime defense capacity to defend Indonesia’s interests,” said Howard.
Given the fact that Prabowo is a former general with good relations with several neighboring and major countries, analysts also predict that Prabowo will take on a more active diplomacy role.
Furthermore, Prabowo is committed to prioritizing Indonesia and ensuring the interests of the 280 million Indonesian people are not disturbed by foreign powers.
“Policymakers in Southeast Asia may also be pleased with Prabowo’s commitment to sustainability – as evidenced by his nomination of President Joko Widodo’s son as his running mate – where Indonesia’s stable and prosperous condition is seen in diplomatic circles as a blessing for all parties,” wrote The Straits Times.
Optimism that Prabowo can bring Indonesia to play a more active role in ASEAN is also expressed by Andreyka Natalegawa, an associate fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) based in Washington.
Andreyka said that Prabowo has the opportunity to direct Indonesia to play a more active role in ASEAN, and restore the relevance and centrality of the organization in the region.
However, all of this depends on Prabowo’s “patience” in facing a number of institutional processes and decision-making within ASEAN that Andreyka noted to be sluggish.
“Prabowo may prioritize maritime security and assert Indonesia’s rights in the South China Sea, including supporting coordination efforts among claimant states in Southeast Asia,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Howard emphasized that Prabowo’s leadership role in ASEAN and globally will depend on his ability to build consensus in the region; his priorities in a number of international issues; and the foreign policy team he will form in his government.
“Therefore, what needs to be considered is the composition of Prabowo’s cabinet, and which foreign officials will be retained,” Howard concluded. (SENOPATI)
