Indonesia Urged to Maintain Balance in Defense Diplomacy with China and Other Nations
- Istimewa
Jakarta, VIVA – Indonesia has been urged to maintain a balanced approach in its defense diplomacy, ensuring strong ties with China while preserving strategic partnerships with other nations, including Western countries.
This was the key takeaway from a public seminar titled "The Rise and Fall of Indonesia-China Defense and Security Relations," held in Jakarta on February 26, 2025.
The event was organized by the Maritime Security Program of the Indonesian Defense University (Unhan RI), the Forum Sinologi Indonesia (FSI), and the Indonesian Maritime Initiative (Indomasive).
Moderated by Aisha Rasyidila Kusumasomantri, M.Sc, Director of Research at Indo-Pacific Strategic Intelligence (ISI) Indonesia, the seminar was opened by Colonel (E) Dr. Lukman Yudho Prakoso, representing Major General TNI Dr. Rachmat Setiawibawa, Dean of the National Security Faculty at Unhan RI.
During the discussion, Dr. Dave A. F. Laksono, Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives, highlighted defense cooperation as the weakest aspect of Indonesia-China bilateral relations.
“Indonesia welcomes cooperation in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, but defense is a different matter,” he stated.
Laksono cited several obstacles to defense cooperation, including China's confrontational stance in the South China Sea, Indonesia’s firm actions against illegal Chinese fishing vessels, and Indonesia’s reliance on Western defense equipment.
He also noted concerns about potential Chinese influence on Indonesia’s strategic decisions. “There is a fear that China could leverage defense ties to dictate Indonesia’s foreign and defense policies,” he warned.
Other speakers, including retired Admiral Dr. Surya Wiranto and Dr. Curie Maharani, Executive Director of ISI, acknowledged both benefits and risks. “China could be a source of arms imports without political strings attached,” Curie noted, though she acknowledged the lack of technology transfers from China to Indonesia thus far.
Johanes Herlijanto, Chairman of FSI, emphasized the need for Indonesia to understand China’s intentions. “Beijing may use defense cooperation to soften Indonesia’s stance on territorial disputes,” he remarked. He also warned that China’s military engagement with Indonesia might raise concerns among Western allies.
Despite the risks, speakers agreed that Indonesia could use defense cooperation to assert its stance on regional security, particularly in the North Natuna Sea.
Transparency and strategic autonomy were highlighted as crucial measures to safeguard Indonesia’s national interests.
