9/n I want to thank Huiru for all her insights and views which contributed to the finalisation of this policy report. As always, we welcome your thoughts and feedback on the report. Looking forward to sharing more of RSIS Indonesia Programme's research findings and publications in 2026! END.

8/n As ASEAN lies in Indonesia’s immediate outer ring in the Javanese concept of mandala, its security is closely linked to Indonesia’s own security. ASEAN’s commitment to a multilateral trading system allows Indonesia a regional buffer to maintain its non-aligned stance.

7/n Indonesia should ensure deepening economic engagements with non-Western states is complemented by deepening engagements with Western nations and institutions. While Indo foreign policy should largely be driven by domestic consideration, it should also be informed by international law and norms.

6/n However, at a time of increasing great power competition, Indonesia could find it difficult to maintain a neutral foreign policy stance in view of some of the agreements it has struck recently with Russia and China.

5/n We also argue that relying too closely on China for economic investment can have adverse strategic implications: it reduces Indonesia’s room for manoeuver and hedging. It is commendable that Indonesia is trying to maintain its free and active foreign policy by pragmatically engaging.

4/n Despite Trump’s threats of imposing additional tariffs being mostly empty rhetoric thus far, his disapproval of BRICS membership and Indonesia’s economic ties with Russia still portend a potential increase in tensions between Indonesia and the United States.

3/n Indonesia’s renewed economic engagements with Russia – although justified as an expression of its free and active foreign policy – could create friction with the West if not carefully managed.

2/n We argue Prabowo’s focus on steering Indonesia’s economic growth comes at the expense of the country’s traditional strategic hedging policy. At a time of increased geopolitical rivalry, this approach could put Indonesia on a collision course with the United States.

rsis.edu.sg/rsis-publica...

7/n As always, comments and feedbacks are welcome. Happy reading!

www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre...

6/n "Indo gov may propose that technology transfer should be an integral part of future critical minerals and renewable energy investment from China. It should be subject to regular, independent evaluation and strict enforcement to ensure that Chinese projects generate....genuine skill diffusion."

5/n"So far this diversification strategy remains symbolic, since most projects still depend on Chinese technology and financing. Nonetheless, Prabowo retains key policy instruments to recalibrate Indonesia’s position."

4/n "While President Prabowo Subianto has signalled that economic cooperation with China will continue, Indonesia is inviting other countries such as Australia and the United States to invest in Indonesia’s critical minerals industry, to ensure that the supply chain is not completely dependent."

3/n ''Indonesia’s exports to China remain heavily reliant on critical minerals and commodities – with minimal technological value added. The reliance on Chinese inputs means that much of Indonesia’s industrial expansion largely depends on the stability of Chinese supply chains.''

2/n "For Beijing, Indonesia functions as a strategic partner hub which and economic centre of gravity securing critical mineral supply chains for electric vehicles and renewable industries. Indonesia is seen as a pivotal Global South actor that can bolster China’s nonalignment narrative."

MTG finally sees the light 😁

7/n ....that is, whether it should moderate its ideology or keep its conservative religious outlook. As always, I welcome your comments and feedbacks on this new publication. Happy reading! END.

rsis.edu.sg/rsis-publica...

6/n Lastly, PKS decided to join Prabowo’s cabinet because the party is running out of financial resources after being in opposition for much of the past decade. It also faces an internal ideological struggle between its politicians and cadres...

5/n Given that Muhammadiyah’s social enterprises are subjected to supervision by state regulatory authorities, the organisation’s leaders feel they need to be included in the Prabowo cabinet in order to ensure that these enterprises do not encounter undue regulatory hurdles.