"Indonesia's 'Great Power' Aspirations: A critical view" by 20b0178 & 15b8808

Growing Economy In Indonesia

'2014, Indonesia's GDP ranked 9th in the world and by 2030, estimated to become the world's biggest economy. However by 2050, Indonesia is estimated to overtake Japan to be the 4th'. -according to PricewaterhouseCoopers Study.

The 3 'Forces of Change' in Indonesia

1. Growing Economy 2. Change in Regional Strategic Environment 3. Domestic Political Factors

His actions

1. His assertions when he insisted to be seated beside president Obama, Putin and Xi in the middle of the table of a formal dinner and not at the end at the November 2014 APEC Summit in Beijing. 2. When Jokowi visited the United States later that year, he made it known that he should be invited to address Congress just like other leaders of 'great nations'.

Diplomatic Capacity Issues in Indonesia

A significant poor attitude in foreign policy. While more staff are focused in Europe and North America, Indonesia is under-resourced in Asia Pacific. Being more focused in economic diplomacy. 1. Having only one person to cater towards China and a few fluent Mandarin speakers. 2. No Hindi speakers and pays no attention to South Asia issues. 3. Jokowi warns his Ambassadors that hey would be judged on how much they are able to increase Indonesian exports and attract investment.

With Great Power comes even Greater Issues

Although Indonesia is growing a great power in the world, there are issues to consider like to military capabilities, diplomatic capacity and domestic politics.

Indonesia's Domestic Politics

As relative power grows, Indonesia wants their country to play a larger role. 2014, the presidential election campaign sees an increase in nationalistic feelings. 1. Jokowi and Prabowo Subianto put forward the idea of international leadership and national sovereignty. 2. Jokowi's presidency sees that illegal fishing is dealt severly with sunken ships and the promotion of self-sufficiency of food.

The result of these factors

Gave Indonesia the ability to, 1. Reinvent and revolutionize itself and its image. 2. Indicated that Indonesia could not be pushed around by major powers.

Domestic Politics Issues in Indonesia

Indonesia grows confidently that with its rapid economic growth and power, they should act accordingly. 1. Jokowi has criticized Western countries during Africa-Asia summits however he has said nothing in APEC and G20 meetings towards Western powers. 2. Jokowi's government has restricted a wide range of imports and welcomed foreign investment however placed growing obstacles to foreigners who seek to bring in capital, wanting to live and work in Indonesia. 3. Anti-globalization policies were reinforced like the forced change of 'international schools' to 'intercultural schools'.

Military Capabilities issues in Indonesia

Indonesia has armed forces focused in internal security however, 1. There is a lack in air and navy. 2. Equipment used in maritime are too old-fashioned and technical knowledge to operate are few in numbers. 3. Priority expenditure not given to military. 4. TNI's lack of interest in maritime and more into reestablishing power in society of Indonesia.

Indonesia's change in regional strategic environment

Indonesia's shift from not attempting to oppose US leadership to challenging both US and China's. Which means, 1. Indonesia is less likely to depend on US leadership to protect its security. 2. ASEAN may become less effective to be used as a way to manage Indonesia's relations with its neighborhood and to promote Indonesia's interests. 3. Indonesia has to take charge of its own regional affairs.

Joko Widodo

President of Indonesia

Indonesia's aims as a Major Power

The Indonesian leaders appear to have no well thought out vision of the role their country might play in the region globally.

His government aspirations

he wanted Indonesia to be acknowledged as 'Negara Besar', in relation or similar as other "Major Power Countries' or 'Great Nations' and given the Major Power Status

Domestic Politics

interactions within states

Foreign Policy

relations with the governments of other countries

Tentara Nasional Indonesia or TNI

the name for the armed forces of the Indonesian state.