Indonesia: Jewel of the equator - on the quest to shine in Southeast Asia

Indonesia is the largest country in ASEAN and historically the leader and initiator of the organization. With its 220 million population, Indonesia is the third largest country in Asia, after China and India. Yet, we are not number one in ASEAN in terms of economic development. In comparison with China and India, we are still lagging behind. The government does not seem to bring significant progress despite good commitment from the leaders. Corruption still persists – if not manifolds; policy failures are among many other things that slow down the development. Even some would prefer to go back to Soeharto’s era, as their life was much easier during that time. Although Indonesia may claim as the most democratic state in the region, many obstacles stand in the way in its thrive to realize prosperity in democratic way. Immature democracy has made decision process difficult and wearisome. Indonesia is also vulnerable to any global change, ranging from unstable oil prices to food security.

Indonesia, home to about 300 tribes and dialects and abundant natural resources, knows exactly its capital. Being the biggest country as well as having significant role in the history of Southeast Asia, Indonesia earned respect from other ASEAN and Asian countries. Indonesia was the leader of Southeast Asian countries with the foundation of ASEAN and its development to be an important bloc well respected by others. Going forward, Indonesia should play the leadership role to make ASEAN a new strength to balance the resurgence of China and India. By setting the vision towards an ASEAN Community, the goal has been defined and now the path has to be followed through. Stronger ASEAN will definitely benefit Indonesia economically and politically. Safe and stable Southeast Asia will harness the country’s defense and security.

However, heterogeneity also entails threat. Multi-ethnic and multi-religious society coupled with poverty pose risk to the region’s security, terrorism among other things. Indonesia’s vast and sprawled territory and disorder administrative system make it a safe and easy place for terrorists to hide. For instance, most people would instantly say that Singapore’s most wanted fugitive Mas Selamat Kastari who escaped the detention centre a while ago had fled to Indonesia.

So many challenges lie ahead. The juggling game is that Indonesia has to solve its domestic problems while playing important role in the region. Yudhoyono’s government has earned credit for its good work in relation to the international world. However, domestically many people are still unsatisfied with the government’s work, especially when macro economic stability fails to address poverty and unemployment. Indonesia should not spend too much energy to build international image, without paying enough attention to real action that matters for the people on the ground. Now we want to see how Indonesia tackles its domestic problems gradually, for it to gain the trust of ASEAN and Asia to lead the way forward.

Martha Maulidia is a full time yummy mummy to Amabella Fatima (8 mos) and a part time research associate with SIIA. An environmental engineer by training, she worked as Climate Change researcher in a Jakarta-based NGO and is engaged with SIIA intermittently since 2005. She has passion on issues related to sustainability, environment and development and Indonesia and ASEAN.