Bridging Divides: Building the Case for Indonesia’s Strategic Role in the Mekong’s Environmental and Geopolitical Future

Abstrak

The Mekong River is vital to Southeast Asia’s food security and economic stability but has often received limited attention outside its mainland Southeast Asian stakeholders. Over the past decade, the river has faced significant challenges, including environmental degradation, geopolitical rivalry, and governance issues. Indonesia’s recent engagement with the Mekong River Commission (MRC) marks a shift in its foreign policy, driven by its growing reliance on rice imports and the need to foster regional cooperation with
Mekong sub-regional countries. This article examines the river’s environmental and governance challenges, particularly China’s growing dominance through dam-building projects and their impact on downstream countries, as well as ASEAN’s structural limitations in addressing these issues, such as the lack of a unified strategy for mitigating the river’s environmental degradation. Indonesia’s potential role in bridging the divide between ASEAN’s maritime and mainland states is crucial, particularly in aligning their regional priorities. By leading multilateral initiatives within ASEAN, Indonesia can strengthen regional governance, mitigate China’s influence, and promote environmental sustainability. Such leadership would enhance regional stability, foster dialogue among major powers—including the U.S., China, Japan, South Korea—and position Indonesia as a key player in ensuring the Mekong’s future sustainability. Through this approach, Indonesia can bolster its strategic influence in the Indo-Pacific, while supporting a more balanced and cooperative regional dynamic for managing the Mekong River and its resources.