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Indonesia’s Foreign Policy: Navigating Relations Between the U.S., China, and ASEAN

Indonesia Discourse · Vol. 1 No. 2 (2024) · pp. 285–312

DOI
10.15294/indi.v1i2.22759
ISSN
3124-5684
Published
2024-07-31
Publisher
Universitas Negeri Semarang
Language
eng
License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Abstract

This research investigates Indonesia's foreign policy in the context of its strategic positioning between the U.S., China, and the ASEAN bloc. As one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most influential countries, Indonesia faces the challenge of balancing its relations with major global powers while maintaining its leadership role within ASEAN. This study explores Indonesia’s diplomatic approach, considering historical ties, economic interests, and security concerns. The purpose is to evaluate how Indonesia navigates the complex dynamics of great power competition between the U.S. and China, while also reinforcing regional unity and cooperation through ASEAN. Key findings highlight Indonesia’s pragmatic stance, emphasizing a policy of neutrality, non-alignment, and multilateralism, often seeking to mediate tensions and promote regional stability. However, the research also identifies challenges, such as the growing pressure from both the U.S. and China to take sides in geopolitical disputes. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive analysis of Indonesia’s strategic balancing act, focusing on how the country leverages its position to advance national interests and regional cohesion. Given the shifting global power landscape, this research is particularly urgent for understanding Indonesia’s role in shaping the future of ASEAN and its broader implications for international diplomacy. This study contributes to the discourse on Southeast Asian foreign policy by offering a nuanced perspective on Indonesia’s navigation of complex international relations and providing recommendations for policymakers in addressing these evolving challenges.

Keywords

Collaboration network of the authors

26 authors · 62 co-authorship links

Hover or tap a name to highlight its co-authors. Double-click to open the author's page.

  • State University of Semarang
  • Affiliation unknown
  • Different organisations
  • Same organisation
  • Affiliation unknown
  • Thicker line = more joint articles · bigger circle = more articles
Show as table
Co-authorOrganisationJoint articles
Aprila NiravitaAffiliation unknown3
Ngboawaji Daniel NteAffiliation unknown3
Ali MasyharAffiliation unknown2
Salsabila TriandaniAffiliation unknown2
Rizqan NaelufarAffiliation unknown2
Dina Silvia PuteriAffiliation unknown2
Denita Cahyanti WahonoAffiliation unknown2
Rr. Jannatul FirdausAffiliation unknown2
Duhita Driyah SupraptiState University of Semarang1
Nurul FibriantiState University of Semarang1
Isnani IsnaniState University of Semarang1
Anindya ArdiansariState University of Semarang1
Niken Diah ParamitaState University of Semarang1
Rohadhatul AisyAffiliation unknown1
Asmarani RamliAffiliation unknown1
Muhammad Adymas Hikal FikriAffiliation unknown1
Moh. Imam GusthomiAffiliation unknown1
Tri SulistiyonoAffiliation unknown1
Raphael Bertrand MayakaAffiliation unknown1
Eva Cornelia PutriAffiliation unknown1
Zean Nicholas DharmaputraAffiliation unknown1
Muliadi MuliadiAffiliation unknown1
Maisa MaisaAffiliation unknown1

Affiliations come from OpenAlex; journal OAI-PMH metadata carries none. Authors without an OpenAlex ID are matched by name, which can merge or split people.

Metadata source: OAI-PMH (metadata jurnal) https://journal.unnes.ac.id/journals/indi/oai, first harvested 5 Nov 2026, last seen 8 Nov 2026.
Original metadata (oai_dc) 
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	<dc:title xml:lang="en">Indonesia’s Foreign Policy: Navigating Relations Between the U.S., China, and ASEAN</dc:title>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Emmanuel, Judith</dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Windiahsari, Windiahsari</dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Kim, Hee-Joon</dc:creator>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Indonesia</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">foreign policy</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">U.S.-China relations</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">ASEAN</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">geopolitical balancing</dc:subject>
	<dc:description xml:lang="en">This research investigates Indonesia's foreign policy in the context of its strategic positioning between the U.S., China, and the ASEAN bloc. As one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most influential countries, Indonesia faces the challenge of balancing its relations with major global powers while maintaining its leadership role within ASEAN. This study explores Indonesia’s diplomatic approach, considering historical ties, economic interests, and security concerns. The purpose is to evaluate how Indonesia navigates the complex dynamics of great power competition between the U.S. and China, while also reinforcing regional unity and cooperation through ASEAN. Key findings highlight Indonesia’s pragmatic stance, emphasizing a policy of neutrality, non-alignment, and multilateralism, often seeking to mediate tensions and promote regional stability. However, the research also identifies challenges, such as the growing pressure from both the U.S. and China to take sides in geopolitical disputes. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive analysis of Indonesia’s strategic balancing act, focusing on how the country leverages its position to advance national interests and regional cohesion. Given the shifting global power landscape, this research is particularly urgent for understanding Indonesia’s role in shaping the future of ASEAN and its broader implications for international diplomacy. This study contributes to the discourse on Southeast Asian foreign policy by offering a nuanced perspective on Indonesia’s navigation of complex international relations and providing recommendations for policymakers in addressing these evolving challenges.</dc:description>
	<dc:publisher xml:lang="en">Universitas Negeri Semarang</dc:publisher>
	<dc:date>2024-07-31</dc:date>
	<dc:type>info:eu-repo/semantics/article</dc:type>
	<dc:type>info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion</dc:type>
	<dc:format>application/pdf</dc:format>
	<dc:identifier>https://journal.unnes.ac.id/journals/indi/article/view/22759</dc:identifier>
	<dc:identifier>10.15294/indi.v1i2.22759</dc:identifier>
	<dc:source xml:lang="en">Indonesia Discourse; Vol. 1 No. 2 (2024): July-December, 2024; 285-312</dc:source>
	<dc:source>3124-5684</dc:source>
	<dc:source>10.15294/indi.v1i2</dc:source>
	<dc:language>eng</dc:language>
	<dc:relation>https://journal.unnes.ac.id/journals/indi/article/view/22759/8580</dc:relation>
	<dc:rights xml:lang="en">Copyright (c) 2024 Judith Emmanuel, Windiahsari Windiahsari, Hee-Joon Kim (Author)</dc:rights>
	<dc:rights xml:lang="en">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0</dc:rights>
</oai_dc:dc>