Press Release: Indonesian foreign policy under President Jokowi

In a new Lowy Institute Analysis launched today, East Asia Research Fellow Aaron L. Connelly examines the future of Indonesian foreign policy under president-elect Joko Widodo.

Ahead of Jokowi’s inauguration on 20 October, Connelly examines the new president’s statements on foreign policy and profiles his key advisers. He argues that Jokowi’s focus on domestic issues and his inexperience in foreign affairs means he will probably delegate foreign and security policy to his key advisers, resulting in increased competition between the institutions those advisers lead.
 
On issues where a consensus does not emerge, this competition will make it more difficult for Indonesian foreign policy-makers to define a clear position.
 
"For ten years, SBY comfortably presided over the making of Indonesian foreign policy. His departure now leaves a large hole that Jokowi will struggle to fill", said author Aaron L. Connelly.
 
"Jokowi’s closest advisers are sophisticated, experienced and internationalist. And while it is likely that Indonesian foreign policy will remain independent but Western-leaning, some within Jokowi’s party take a more nationalist stance towards certain international disputes", said Connelly.
 
Connelly argues that this could result in a more nationalist position on international issues that capture the imagination of the Indonesian political and diplomatic elite, including crises in the Australia-Indonesia relationship that could develop on Jokowi’s watch.