At a Glance
Alliances & Memberships
- ASEAN (Founding Member)
- G20
- Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
- OIC
- APEC
- MIST (Mexico, Indonesia, S. Korea, Turkey)
- RCEP
Foreign Policy Overview
Indonesia adheres to a 'Bebas dan Aktif' (Free and Active) foreign policy doctrine, seeking to avoid alignment with major power blocs while maintaining strategic autonomy. As the 'primus inter pares' of ASEAN, Jakarta prioritizes regional stability and 'ASEAN Centrality' in the Indo-Pacific. It maintains a dual-track relationship with China (economic) and the USA (security), while championing the rights of developing nations in the Global South. Current priorities include the 'Ocean Policy,' resolving the Myanmar crisis through the Five-Point Consensus, and advocating for Palestinian statehood. Domestic stability and maritime sovereignty in the North Natuna Sea remain paramount.
Key Positions on Major Issues
CLIMATE: Committed to the Enhanced NDC to reduce emissions by 31.89% independently by 2030. Focus on the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and forestry (FOLU Net Sink 2030). SECURITY: Strong advocate for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). Non-claimant in South China Sea but enforces EEZ rights against Nine-Dash Line incursions. HUMAN RIGHTS: Emphasis on 'constructive engagement' over sanctions. Active member of the UN Human Rights Council (2024-2026), focusing on the rights of the child and migrant workers. TRADE: Opposes EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) as discriminatory. Promotes the 'Global South' agenda in the WTO. REGIONAL: Leading mediator for the Myanmar conflict; insists on the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus before readmitting Junta leadership.
UN Voting Record Notes
Consistently votes in favor of UNGA resolutions condemning Israeli settlement expansion. Abstains or seeks balanced phrasing on resolutions targeting specific states for human rights (preferring UPR processes). Voted to deplore the invasion of Ukraine (ES-11/1) but has consistently refused to join unilateral sanctions against Russia, citing neutral orientation. Most recently supported resolutions for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Economy & Trade
GDP Composition: Services (45%), Industry (39%), Agriculture (13%). Major Exports: Palm oil (world's largest producer), coal briquettes, nickel, liquid natural gas, electrical machinery. Trade Partners: China (primary), USA, Japan, Singapore. Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Strategic focus: Downstreaming raw minerals (nickel) to develop domestic EV battery industry.
Military & Security
Active Personnel: ~400,000. Doctrine: Total People's Defense (Sishankamrata). Spending: ~0.8% of GDP. No nuclear weapons; signatory to NPT and SEANWFZ (Bangkok Treaty). Currently modernizing through the 'Minimum Essential Force' (MEF) program, acquiring Rafale jets and Scorpene submarines. Strategic focus: Counter-terrorism and maritime patrol.
Recent History
The 1998 Reformasi ended the 32-year Suharto dictatorship, ushering in a period of democratization and decentralization. The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami led to the peace agreement in Aceh (Helsinki Accords). Under President Joko Widodo (2014-2024), Indonesia has focused on massive infrastructure development, including the relocation of the capital to Nusantara (IKN) in East Kalimantan. Indonesia successfully chaired the G20 in 2022 amidst the Ukraine crisis and ASEAN in 2023, cementing its role as a global bridge-builder.
International Memberships
- ASEANsince 1967
Founding member, core of regional policy.
- G20since 2008
Representing emerging economies and the Global South.
- OICsince 1969
Largest Muslim-populated nation, high influence on Palestine issue.
- NAMsince 1961
Leadership in the movement for non-alignment.
- Asian Development Bank (ADB)since 1966
Focus on infrastructure and development finance.
MUN Negotiation Profile
ASEAN / G77 / NAM / Global South leadership.
Consensus-seeking, 'The ASEAN Way' (non-interference, quiet diplomacy), mediator role, emphasizes sovereignty and mutual respect.
- Infringement on territorial integrity or sovereignty (specifically West Papua).
- Sanctions or interventionist policies against ASEAN members without regional consensus.
- Discriminatory trade barriers disguised as environmental regulations (e.g., EU palm oil bans).
- Any recognition of Israeli sovereignty over occupied Palestinian territories.
- "Indonesia calls upon all parties to respect the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, ensuring this region remains a theater of cooperation, not a battleground for great power rivalry."
- "As the world's largest archipelagic state, we demand equitable climate financing that recognizes the unique challenges of maritime nations and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities."
- "The sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia is non-negotiable; we urge the international community to respect our domestic legal frameworks and territorial borders."
- "Direct economic coercion and protectionist 'green' policies are detrimental to the development goals of the Global South; Indonesia stands for fair and open trade for all."
- "In the spirit of the 'ASEAN Way,' we advocate for dialogue and constructive engagement rather than isolation to resolve regional humanitarian crises."