Foreign Policy and Regional Cooperation: Indonesia’s Strategic Role in ASEAN Political Dynamics

Abstract

This study examines Foreign Policy and Regional Cooperation: Indonesia’s Strategic Role in ASEAN Political Dynamics by analyzing how Indonesia’s foreign policy orientation shapes its contribution to regional cooperation and political stability in Southeast Asia. The objective of the research is to explain Indonesia’s strategic role in ASEAN, particularly in relation to agenda-setting, mediation, consensus-building, and the promotion of ASEAN centrality. This research applies a qualitative method with a case study design because the issue requires interpretive analysis of diplomatic behavior, institutional norms, and regional political processes rather than statistical measurement. The research location is Jakarta, Indonesia, selected because it hosts Indonesia’s foreign policy institutions and the ASEAN Secretariat. The study involves six to eight purposively selected informants, including foreign policy officials, ASEAN specialists, academics, think tank researchers, former diplomats, and civil society observers, because they possess relevant expertise on Indonesia’s regional diplomacy. The findings show that Indonesia’s role in ASEAN is strategic but institutionally constrained by consensus, non-interference, and diverse member-state interests. The study recommends strengthening Indonesia’s inclusive diplomacy, coalition-building, and policy consistency to enhance ASEAN’s capacity to manage regional political challenges.