Indonesia and the Concept of Regional Power

Abstrak

Indonesia has evolved significantly since 1998, through the pace has been at times painfully slow. In addition to that, many have argued that Indonesia's regional and global profile is rising. Since 2003, Indonesia has been the driving force behind political and security community building in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), even as it strengthens bilateral partnerships with major powers such as the United States, China, and India. Indonesia has also been vigorously engaged in many global issues such as climate change and been a fervent supporter of global institutions including the G-20. Putting Indonesia in the discussion of regional power is important because it is one of Southeast Asia's key leaders and is also an active participant in Asia's emerging regional security architecture. This paper analyzes Indonesia's emergence as a regional power by looking at both its recent domestic developments and its rising global and regional profile, and argues that albeit its international ambitions and recent success in raising its diplomatic game, Indonesia still rests on shaky domestic foundations.