Page 38 - ADT AUG - OCT 2024 Digital Magazine | GBP

common power—albeit less than Conversely, maintaining a neutral foreign defence companies, the
a formal military alliance—with its stance while strengthening defence path to future improvements is wide
neighbouring countries in Southeast capabilities may allow Indonesia open, energising and incentivising
Asia. to mediate regional disputes and further development. Moreover,
foster dialogue among conflicting fostering a robust domestic defence
This principle also applies to parties. This balanced approach industry can create jobs and stim-
cooperation with Western coun- could facilitate Indonesia’s role as a ulate innovation within the broader
tries. While there are discussions peace broker, helping to defuse ten- Indonesian economy. As these firms
of potential alignment with the sions through diplomacy rather than grow and develop, they can con-
West as a formal ally, it should be military confrontation. By positioning tribute to a self-sustaining defence
emphasised that Indonesia should itself as a neutral arbiter, Indonesia ecosystem that not only enhances
remain steadfast in its commitment could leverage its relationships with national security but also positions
to the country’s “free and active” both Western powers and China, Indonesia as a competitive player
foreign policy. This approach allows thus enhancing its diplomatic lever- in the global arms market. This
Indonesia to maintain diplomatic age in negotiations. approach not only ensures that
flexibility and engage with all parties Indonesia meets its own defence
without compromising its neutrality. Focus on Self-Reliance needs but also opens opportunities
However, this stance also presents for regional partnerships, where
challenges, as sustaining an even- A pivotal aspect of Prabowo’s Indonesia can share its expertise
handed approach may limit deeper vision is the continuation and and technology with neighbouring
cooperation with any specific bloc in enhancement of the prioritisation countries, thereby reinforcing its
the event of heightened conflicts. of Indonesia’s domestic defence leadership role in the region.
industry. Law Number 16 of
2012 emphasises the need for
Playing a Key Role local industries to provide valid An Uncertain Future

Should tensions escalate to the alternatives to imports, fostering As Indonesia stands on the brink
point of open conflict, Indonesia’s self-reliance in defence capabilities. of a new era under Prabowo’s
response will be critical. While This strategic shift aims to reduce
not a claimant in the South China dependency on foreign military leadership, the implications of
military modernisation and regional
Sea disputes, Indonesia could find technology and stimulate local
itself drawn into regional confron- economic growth. The integration engagement are profound. The
tations due to its strategic location of domestic defence firms into the Archipelagic Trident Shield pres-
and alliances. The Trident Shield modernisation efforts will enhance ents a comprehensive framework
is designed not only to fortify Indonesia’s ability to respond to for strengthening national defence
Indonesia’s defences but also to evolving threats while building a and positioning Indonesia as a key
position the country as a stabilising sustainable defence economy. player in Southeast Asia. While the
force within Southeast Asia. potential for conflict remains a con-
Indonesia’s domestic state-owned cern, Prabowo’s approach seeks
Prabowo’s military expansion efforts and private defence companies to enhance Indonesia’s resilience
may also affect Indonesia’s diplo- have repeatedly demonstrated their against external threats and foster
matic posture. Should Indonesia capabilities. They have produced stability in a rapidly changing geo-
choose to align more closely with aircraft, large naval vessels, war- political landscape.
Western powers in the context of ships, tanks, and tactical vehicles
the Indo-Pacific strategy, this could for TNI use, as well as for export In navigating these complex dynam-
lead to tensions with China. Such - both realised and potential. The ics, Indonesia has the opportunity to
alignment might involve deeper country has also the potential to assert itself as a leader in regional
military cooperation with the United expand on its high-tech avionics security while balancing its defence
States and its allies, culminating industry, especially since some
in joint exercises and intelligence Indonesian companies have already needs with diplomatic imperatives.
The coming years will be crucial
sharing. While this could strengthen taken a joint initiative to start devel-
Indonesia’s military capabilities and oping the country’s first jet engine. in determining how effectively
deterrent posture, it also risks pro- Indonesia can leverage its military
voking China, which may perceive While many of these companies’ capabilities to ensure national secu-
such actions as encroachments on achievements remain modest rity and contribute to regional peace
and stability..
its sphere of influence. compared to more established
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