Indonesia's president-elect, Prabowo Subianto, aims to contribute to the resolution of the Russian-Ukraine War leveraging Indonesia's diplomatic history in regional conflicts. President Prabowo recently engaged with Ukrainian President Zelensky at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore and has been invited to attend a conference in Geneva on June 15, 2024, on resolving the Russian-Ukraine conflict. Indonesia has played a role in facilitating peace negotiations in conflicts like the South China Sea dispute, Moro in the Philippines, and the Cambodian conflict. President Joko Widodo visited Russia and Ukraine in June 2022, proposing a humanitarian corridor and economic incentives to ease tensions. Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto proposed a ceasefire, demilitarized zone, and development programs in conflict-affected areas. Indonesia's approach aims to establish a demilitarized zone monitored by United Nations Peacekeeping Forces, facilitate the passage of civilians and aid through a humanitarian corridor, enhance economic cooperation, and support political reforms in Russia and Ukraine. By leveraging Indonesia's diplomatic understanding and commitment to peace, President-Elect Prabowo's proposals hold the potential to contribute to a sustainable resolution of the Russian-Ukraine War [5dbf05ca] [9e092cbf].
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković assured at the Dubrovnik Forum that Croatia will continue to support Ukraine in the Russian-Ukraine War. He highlighted the negative consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, prolonged by Russian aggression against Ukraine, and expressed support for Ukraine, its people, President, and government. Plenković mentioned the recent Global Peace Summit where many countries and international organizations supported finding a peaceful solution to the consequences of Russian aggression. Croatia is providing assistance to Ukraine in various areas, including political, diplomatic, technical, humanitarian, economic, and military support. Plenković emphasized Croatia's specific interests in the investigation of war crimes and humanitarian demining, which is expected to be completed by March 2026 [608ac145].
Indonesia has emerged as a crucial mediator amidst heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Leveraging its positive relationships with Russia and China, Indonesia aims to promote peace and stability. The recent defense agreement between Russia and North Korea, which includes military cooperation and economic and humanitarian aid, could potentially escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Indonesia, with its positive relations with both Russia and China, its membership in ASEAN, and its experience in economic diplomacy and international peacekeeping, is well-suited to act as a diplomatic mediator and balancer in the region. Indonesia can enhance its impact by intensifying diplomatic engagements, promoting economic cooperation, supporting peacekeeping initiatives, and providing humanitarian aid. By strategically utilizing its diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian strengths, Indonesia can contribute to regional peace and stability and serve as a model for other nations [0ae27385].
The potential USA presidency of Kamala Harris is expected to bring continuity in key areas of cooperation and significant shifts in the strategic climate towards sustainable development and human rights in USA-Indonesia (USA-RI) relations. The Prabowo Administration should strategically align its policies to anticipate these changes, ensuring strengthened bilateral ties and mutual benefits. The relationship between the United States and Indonesia has historically been multifaceted, encompassing economic cooperation, defense and security collaboration, environmental initiatives, and the promotion of human rights and democratic governance. The Biden Administration has placed significant emphasis on strengthening economic ties with Indonesia. Trade agreements have played a pivotal role, with the United States being one of Indonesia’s largest trading partners. Key sectors, such as technology, energy, and manufacturing, have experienced substantial investments that have fostered economic growth and job creation in both countries. Defense and security cooperation between the USA and Indonesia have been robust under Biden’s leadership. Joint military exercises and training programs have enhanced the capabilities of the Indonesian military, promoting regional stability. Climate change and environmental policies have also been a cornerstone of the Biden Administration’s approach toward Indonesia. Human rights and democracy promotion have continued to be a top priority for the Biden Administration. With the potential assumption of the presidency by Kamala Harris, the future trajectory of U.S.-Indonesia relations is anticipated to evolve in alignment with her administration’s priorities and vision. Economic cooperation is expected to persist but with a heightened emphasis on sustainable development and green investments. Defense and security cooperation under Harris are expected to maintain a strong focus on regional stability and maritime security. Climate change and environmental policies are anticipated to receive even greater prominence under Harris. Human rights and democracy promotion are likely to remain a continued, if not intensified, focus under Harris. The Prabowo Administration must strategically anticipate and adapt to the potential changes that may arise in USA-RI relations under the presidency of Kamala Harris. From an economic perspective, Indonesia should concentrate on diversifying its trade partnerships and attracting sustainable investments. In terms of defense and security, the Prabowo Administration should prioritize enhancing military readiness and fostering regional cooperation. Environmental and climate policies should be a top priority for Indonesia, aligning with global climate goals and focusing on sustainability as anticipated by Harris. Human rights and governance should remain central to Indonesia’s domestic and international policies. To effectively navigate the anticipated shifts under Kamala Harris’s presidency, the Prabowo Administration should establish a dedicated task force comprising experts in international relations, economics, defense policy, environmental issues, and human rights. Fostering stronger diplomatic channels and regular high-level dialogues with the United States will be crucial in maintaining a proactive and collaborative bilateral relationship [8bc35ca2].