Explain how Prabowo and Indonesia’s re-appointed foreign minister, Retno Marsudi, will strategically position Indonesia amid rising U.S.-China tensions.

Indonesia will remain inward-oriented, as the focus is on development through building infrastructure and expanding the digital economy. Jokowi is a domestic president, with his first term less focused on promoting foreign policy than his predecessor (SBY).

The person setting out Indonesia’s foreign policy is Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, who has already outlined the five priorities for the second term – economic diplomacy, citizen protection, national sovereignty, regional and global leadership, and diplomacy infrastructure. She has proven to be a skilled diplomat, securing another term on the UN Security Council and steering an Indo-Pacific Strategy through ASEAN, maintaining both ASEAN centrality as well as stamping the Indonesia-led brand. She has served to bring back Indonesia’s leadership to regional affairs while maintaining Indonesia on the global stage.

Indonesia is among the most reluctant countries in Southeast Asia to choose sides in the deepening Great Power rivalry. It has opted to strengthen ASEAN and reaffirms the need for stronger regional ties. China’s Belt and Road Initiative has coincided with Jokowi’s domestic priority of building infrastructure, and this has improved relations between China and Indonesia, relations that were traditionally comparatively cooler than others in Southeast Asia. While China’s presence and investment has grown, it has provoked strong economic nationalist responses. China will be a major player in the Indonesian economy, notably in any possible development of the new capital, but this cannot be seen as an embrace of China’s role more widely, especially in the South China Sea. Indonesia expects to be treated respectfully as a “middle power” and will strongly oppose any perceived territorial infringement.

Identify the top three strategic priorities for Jakarta as China’s regional role and influence expands.

Indonesia seeks investment/capital for its infrastructure goals. It does so, however, on its own terms. China is having to adjust to conditions of high economic nationalism and greater confidence.

It also seeks stability. This has been challenging with ongoing trade disputes as well and encroachments in the South China Sea increasing tensions. Expect Indonesia to continue using balancing and hedging as it takes on a more prominent leadership role vis-à-vis China.

Finally, its priorities are not Jakarta, but increasing development outside of the capital. Chinese investment is playing a role in the periphery areas, which will likely increase.

What is your outlook for how Jokowi’s new cabinet will manage Indonesia-U.S. relations?

The first Cabinet-related obstacle, allowing the tainted defense minister on human rights violations, Prabowo, to travel to the United States, has been removed, but there are simmering tensions over trade and economic competition, to name just two issues. The “strategic partnership” set out in 2015 has yet to materialize as the bilateral relationship has moved into a more transactional mode. The U.S. has focused heavily on security relations, and, mistakenly, pressured Indonesia to take positions in the rivalry with China. There is little appreciation of how public perceptions of the U.S. have deteriorated under the Trump administration. Expect spats over trade, continued quiet cooperation in security, a strengthening of collaboration against religious extremism, and shared disinterest in promoting democracy and human rights.