Indonesia Amid the Storm of Global Geopolitics, ASH Urges Return to a Sovereign Foreign Policy

JAKARTA – The escalating conflict in the Middle East between the United States and Iran, increasingly intertwined with the strategic interests of China and Russia, has dramatically reshaped the global geopolitical landscape.

The world appears to be moving toward a new configuration of power that resembles the emergence of competing global blocs.

Amid this turbulent situation, a critical question arises for Indonesia: where does the country stand strategically within the vortex of this growing global conflict?

“Amid the storm of global geopolitics, it is time for Indonesia to return to a sovereign and independent foreign policy,” said Aceng Syamsul Hadie, S.Sos., MM.

(ASH), Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Central Executive Board of ASWIN (International Journalists Association).

According to ASH, Indonesia actually possesses a strong diplomatic foundation through its long-standing foreign policy principle of “free and active diplomacy.” This principle is not merely a historical slogan, but a geopolitical strategy designed by the nation’s founding fathers to ensure that Indonesia would not become trapped in the rivalry of major world powers.

However, today’s geopolitical reality is far more complex than in previous decades. The confrontation involving Washington and Tehran, along with the potential alignment of Beijing and Moscow, signals that the international system may be entering a transition toward a multipolar global order.

“In a situation like this, Indonesia cannot simply remain a passive observer issuing routine diplomatic statements,” ASH explained.

Strategic Steps for Indonesia

ASH outlined several strategic steps Indonesia could take in responding to the evolving global geopolitical dynamics.

First, Indonesia should revive global diplomacy based on solidarity among countries of the Global South.

Historically, Indonesia played a central role in initiating the 1955 Asian-African Conference in Bandung, which promoted anti-colonialism and political independence among developing nations.

According to him, the Bandung Spirit remains highly relevant today, as many developing countries once again face pressure from the strategic rivalry of major powers.

Second, Indonesia should strengthen its multilateral diplomacy through international organizations such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations (UN).

The conflict in the Middle East not only threatens regional stability but also affects the interests of the global Muslim community.

As the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia holds strong moral legitimacy to promote a peaceful and just resolution to conflicts in the region.

Third, Indonesia must be cautious not to become entangled in emerging geopolitical blocs.

ASH suggested that Indonesia should withdraw from the Board of Peace (BoP) initiative associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump in order to maintain its neutrality.

“In international relations, countries that align too closely with a single major power often lose their strategic independence. Indonesia must maintain a balanced distance from all global powers,” he said.

Potential Impact on Indonesia

The conflict in the Middle East also carries direct implications for Indonesia’s national interests, particularly in the energy sector and the stability of the global economy.

One of the world’s most critical oil supply routes passes through the Strait of Hormuz. If the conflict escalates and disrupts shipping through this strategic waterway, the consequences could include rising global energy prices and economic instability that would inevitably affect Indonesia.

“Therefore, Indonesia must develop a more visionary geopolitical strategy. The country should not merely react to global crises, but should take initiative in shaping diplomatic efforts that strengthen the position of developing nations in global affairs,” ASH emphasized.

Indonesia’s Strategic Choice

Amid intensifying competition among major world powers, Indonesia faces a strategic choice: to remain merely a spectator on the global geopolitical stage, or to once again play a significant role as a moral and diplomatic force in international politics.

“If Indonesia can revive the Bandung Spirit and uphold a sovereign foreign policy, then even amid the storm of global geopolitics the country will not lose its direction.

Instead, Indonesia can emerge as a balancing force that carries the message of peace and justice to the world,” ASH concluded.

Source: ASH

Editor: Editorial Team(Jun).