Quote from Alex bobby on November 13, 2024, 7:09 AM

Strengthening U.S.-Indonesia Ties: Biden and Prabowo Meet Amid Shifting Global Alliances

On Tuesday, President Joe Biden welcomed Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to the White House, marking the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Indonesia relations. This historic meeting came during Prabowo’s diplomatic tour across major powers, highlighting the evolving geopolitical landscape in Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Prabowo, who recently assumed leadership of Southeast Asia’s largest economy, emphasized his commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s relationship with the United States. “I will work very hard to strengthen Indonesia and United States relationship,” he stated at the meeting. Biden, in turn, expressed optimism about deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations, especially in security cooperation, a high-level alliance forged in 2023 to reinforce mutual defense and economic ties.

Navigating the South China Sea Tensions

In his brief remarks, Biden underscored an issue of great concern: the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. This area is a geopolitical flashpoint where Chinese territorial claims intersect with those of multiple Southeast Asian nations. The U.S. president reiterated his commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” a position rooted in upholding international law and countering China’s assertive maritime claims.

The conversation between Biden and Prabowo came days after Prabowo’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where Indonesia and China solidified agreements valued at roughly $10 billion. These agreements covered infrastructure, green energy, digital technology, and agriculture. However, one of the deals related to oil and gas exploration near Indonesia’s Natuna Islands raised eyebrows, as it overlaps with China’s contentious “nine-dash line” claim in the South China Sea. While Indonesia officially rejects the nine-dash line, this agreement could signal closer economic cooperation with China.

The White House acknowledged Indonesia’s dilemma, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating, “We continue to encourage Indonesia to make sure any agreement with the PRC is in accordance with international law, especially the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.”

Strengthening Economic Partnerships and Balancing Influence

Indonesia’s foreign policy strategy under Prabowo appears to be navigating a complex balance between economic interests with China and security commitments with the United States. This balancing act aligns with the priorities of Indonesia’s previous administration under Joko Widodo, who sought Chinese investment while maintaining a neutral stance geopolitically. However, Prabowo has displayed a willingness to deepen these partnerships to enhance Indonesia’s global standing, even joining the BRICS bloc earlier this year, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as part of its new phase of expansion.

The recent BRICS membership could signify a subtle shift for Indonesia, reflecting Prabowo’s ambition to position Indonesia as a significant player on the international stage. The BRICS alliance, often seen as a counterweight to Western influence, has recently expanded its list of partner nations, signaling an opportunity for Indonesia to boost economic ties with emerging economies outside of Western alliances.

Klaus Heinrich Raditio, a South China Sea analyst, noted that while these moves offer economic benefits, they may also raise questions among Indonesians about the nation’s stance on China’s regional ambitions. “It’s a big deal for Indonesia,” Raditio explained. “People will question our position in relation to China’s vision of a new global order.”

Prabowo’s Outreach to Trump and Future U.S. Relations

Beyond his meeting with Biden, Prabowo is also positioning Indonesia favorably with President-elect Donald Trump. This outreach is critical as Prabowo looks to navigate changing U.S. foreign policies when Trump assumes office in January. Prabowo’s recent phone call to Trump, where he offered to meet him in person, illustrates his readiness to maintain strong relations with the United States.

U.S. foreign policy under Trump is expected to be more transactional, with a focus on competitive elements in the U.S.-China relationship. Andreyka Natalegawa, an expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, remarked that this approach could impact Southeast Asian countries’ ability to maneuver diplomatically. Indonesia, with its focus on neutrality and economic diplomacy, may need to adapt if the U.S. shifts to a more unilateral approach in Asia.

Challenges and Opportunities for the U.S.-Indonesia Relationship

For both countries, this White House meeting underscores a significant milestone in a partnership marked by both promise and challenges. Prabowo’s ascent to Indonesia’s presidency and his deepening ties with major powers indicate a potential realignment in Southeast Asia. For the U.S., strengthening its partnership with Indonesia remains key to countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.

As Indonesia continues to build on its economic ties with China, the U.S. must find ways to reinforce its relationship with Jakarta to sustain influence in the region. The White House’s support for Indonesia’s position in the South China Sea, coupled with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, is a step in this direction. However, economic initiatives like BRICS suggest that Indonesia is also looking to diversify its alliances, indicating its evolving strategy on the global stage.

Conclusion

President Prabowo’s visit to the White House represents not only a celebration of 75 years of U.S.-Indonesia relations but also a forward-looking dialogue amid shifting global dynamics. Prabowo’s outreach to both the United States and China reflects Indonesia’s ambition to emerge as a key player in regional stability while leveraging economic partnerships to fuel its growth.

The U.S.-Indonesia relationship, anchored in mutual respect and strategic cooperation, will play a crucial role as Southeast Asia navigates the complexities of a new geopolitical era. With Prabowo’s commitment to a robust U.S.-Indonesia partnership, and the support from the Biden administration, both countries look set to deepen their ties in a way that resonates with the changing landscape of global diplomacy.