Indonesia’s Intricate Dance Between China And The United States And Its Future Prospect

The ongoing competition between the US and China has involved many countries.Especially now after the "One Belt,One Road" initiative that involves Asian countries.Indonesia,as a middle power,holds an important role in this ongoing competition.According to its free and active foreign policy,it should not choose a side but also avoid harming one relationship while maintaining the others.This study will focus on the diplomatic actions taken by Indonesia as a defensive mechanism for national security in the context of balancing ties with both superpower nations,China and the United States.While maintaining relationships with both countries,this study will also look at how Indonesia can play an important role in the competition,focusing on specific issues such as how Indonesia deals with the RCEP,the US military presence in the South China Sea,and Indonesia’s interest in joining the CPTPP.This is a qualitative research study,with the main sources of data and information collection being published materials such as books,diaries,daily papers,reports,and existing journals.This study found that based on Indonesia’s political,economic,and security choices between two countries,it cannot take on a mediator role because its "free and active" foreign policy prevents them from forming any political alliances while the relationship between the two countries remains balanced.Indonesia is economically close to China while being close to the US in terms of security.There are at least three directions for future strategies that Indonesia can take from this competition: First,how does Indonesia deal with the RCEP? Indonesia should do at least three things to maximize the benefits of entering the RCEP.1)The government must turn RCEP pledges into domestic norms and regulations 2)Indonesia has to increase cooperation between the government and exporters,train its workforce to make better products,create industry-dominating goods,and safeguard farmers against monopolies in the seed and pharmaceutical industries.3)Preferential trade and/or investment treaties will be effective only if Indonesia adjusts its export,import,and investment standards and processes.Second,regarding the US presence in the South China Sea,the Indonesian attitude on US-China ties is based on a preference for no one dominant force in Southeast Asia,as indicated by the concept of "dynamic equilibrium," which implies Indonesia is a neutral country in this competition.Indonesia must implement particular measures,such a greater internal balance,and also include China in regional organisations like ASEAN because its EEZ crosses with China’s dotted line.Finally,with regard to Indonesia’s interest in joining the CPTPP,Indonesia should join this agreement since it will improve Indonesia’s GDP.The CPTPP is assisting in the creation of jobs,the strengthening of economic ties,and the expansion of Indonesia’s trade with key trading partners.It will be viewed as a win-win solution since CPTPP members would profit from Indonesia’s market if it were approved to join this pact.Indonesia,on the other hand,should prepare the country and improve its regulations to prevent income inequality.