Indonesia’s Nonalignment Stance in US-China Rivalry: Balancing Military Exercises with Beijing and Washington
As Indonesia gears up to participate in U.S.-led joint military exercises this month, it agreed at a meeting this week to hold military training with China, a move analysts say points to Indonesia’s nonalignment stance regarding the U.S.-China rivalry.
The Indonesian military is preparing to host Super Garuda Shield exercises led by the U.S. with participation by dozens of countries, including Japan, Australia, South Korea, Germany, Singapore, and Malaysia. The annual drills will be held in the Indonesian provinces of East Java, West Java, and South Sumatra from August 26 to September 5.
Meanwhile, senior Indonesian and Chinese officials agreed to hold joint military training and reaffirmed their commitment to boost regional security, among other things, at a meeting Tuesday in Jakarta, according to a statement by the Indonesian Foreign Ministry. This move signals a significant development in Indonesia’s foreign policy approach towards maintaining neutrality in the face of great power competition.
Indonesia’s Pursuit of Neutrality
The decision to engage in military exercises with both the U.S. and China reflects Indonesia’s pursuit of showcasing its neutrality through its “free and active” foreign policy. By engaging in joint training with both major powers, Indonesia aims to avoid being pulled into any particular sphere of influence and maintain its independence in decision-making.
Abdul Rahman Yaacob, a research fellow in the Southeast Asia Program at the Lowy Institute, emphasizes that Indonesia’s decision to conduct bilateral exercises with China next year is a strategic move to demonstrate its commitment to neutrality. However, the nature and scope of these exercises will play a crucial role in determining how other major powers, particularly the U.S. and its allies, perceive Indonesia’s stance in the region.
If the military training with China focuses primarily on combat operations and interoperability, especially in contested areas like the South China Sea, it could raise concerns among the U.S. and its allies. Such exercises may signal a shift in Indonesia’s strategic alignment and potentially impact its defense partnerships with traditional allies.
Balancing Act: Indonesia’s Strategic Considerations
With the upcoming change in leadership as President-elect Prabowo Subianto prepares to take office, Indonesia faces the challenge of balancing its relationships with major powers while safeguarding its national interests. The decision to engage in joint drills with China must be carefully weighed against the potential repercussions on its defense cooperation with the U.S., Japan, and other allies.
Gregory Poling, senior fellow and director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, highlights Indonesia’s dual approach of seeking pragmatic cooperation with China while hedging against its hegemonic ambitions. This delicate balance requires Indonesia to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics and prioritize its defense engagements based on national security interests.
Despite the deepening defense ties with China, the United States remains Indonesia’s primary partner of choice in defense cooperation. The longstanding relationship between Indonesia and the U.S., characterized by regular bilateral and multilateral exercises, underscores the importance of strategic alignment and mutual security interests in the region.
Emerging Defense Partnerships
The evolving landscape of defense cooperation in Southeast Asia reflects Indonesia’s strategic considerations in engaging with multiple partners to enhance its military capabilities and regional security. While Indonesia maintains robust ties with the U.S., Japan, and Australia, the expanding defense engagements with China signal a nuanced approach to diversifying its strategic relationships.
Andreyka Natalegawa, an associate fellow for the Southeast Asia Program at CSIS, emphasizes the importance of maintaining the U.S. as Indonesia’s primary defense partner while exploring new avenues for collaboration with China. The potential for joint drills with China and other ASEAN member states reflects Indonesia’s commitment to fostering regional security and cooperation.
In conclusion, Indonesia’s nonalignment stance in the U.S.-China rivalry underscores its strategic imperative to balance competing interests and maintain independence in decision-making. By engaging in military exercises with both major powers, Indonesia seeks to uphold its neutrality and safeguard national security interests in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
