The Straits Times, a Singaporean media, in an article titled “Optimism in ASEAN as Prabowo Presidency Heralds a More Active Role for Indonesia”, mentions Prabowo Subianto as a figure believed to be able to bring Indonesia to play a more active role in ASEAN.
The article, released on Saturday (2/17), also quotes the Executive Director of Asialink Business in Melbourne, Leigh Howard. He said that Prabowo often voices a more balanced foreign policy and strives to partner with many countries, including Asian countries.
“As defense minister, Prabowo is known for advocating a more balanced foreign policy and seeking partnerships with many countries, including Asian countries. As a presidential candidate, he mentions the need for a strong maritime defense capacity to defend Indonesia’s interests,” Howard said.
Seeing the fact that Prabowo is a former general with good relations with several neighboring and superpower countries, analysts also predict that Prabowo will take a more active diplomatic role.
Moreover, Prabowo is also committed to prioritizing Indonesia and ensuring that the interests of the 280 million people of Indonesia will not be disrupted by foreign powers.
“Policymakers in Southeast Asia may also be satisfied with Prabowo’s commitment to sustainability – as evidenced by nominating President Joko Widodo’s son as his vice-presidential candidate – where Indonesia’s stable and prosperous condition is seen in diplomatic circles as a blessing for all parties,” writes The Straits Times.
The optimism that Prabowo can bring Indonesia to play a more active role in ASEAN is also expressed by Andreyka Natalegawa, an associate fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) based in Washington.
Andreyka mentioned that Prabowo has the opportunity to direct Indonesia to play a more active role in ASEAN and restore the organization’s relevance and centrality in the region.
However, all of this depends on Prabowo’s ‘patience’ in facing a number of institutional processes and decision-making in ASEAN, which Andreyka admits are weak.
“Prabowo may place higher priority on maritime security and affirming Indonesia’s rights in the South China Sea, including supporting coordination efforts among claimant countries in Southeast Asia,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Howard emphasized that Prabowo’s leadership role in ASEAN and globally will depend on his ability to build consensus in the region; his priorities in several international issues; and the foreign policy team he will form in his government.
“Therefore, what needs to be noted is the composition of Prabowo’s cabinet, and which foreign officials will be retained,” Howard concluded. (SENOPATI)
