Jakarta – Over the last ten years, Indonesia’s international diplomacy under the leadership of President Joko Widodo has demonstrated various significant achievements that have strengthened Indonesia’s position in the region and on the global stage. By focusing on the principle of free and active foreign policy, the diplomacy carried out is oriented towards real action and measurable results.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pahala Nugraha Mansury, explained that Indonesia’s foreign policy was successfully implemented with a well-calculated approach, facing various global geopolitical and economic challenges wisely. “In the past 10 years, Indonesia has proven itself as a country capable of standing amidst the dynamics of world geopolitics and economics,” he said.
One of the main achievements of Indonesian diplomacy is its success in the economic field. Pahala underlines that Indonesia’s economic diplomacy has succeeded in expanding market access and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). In the midst of global challenges such as trade wars, protectionism and geopolitical crises, Indonesia has succeeded in signing 27 international trade agreements and opening up new market access in Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean.
This diplomacy has had a real impact, with foreign direct investment increasing from US$28 billion in 2014 to US$50 billion in 2023. Strategic sectors such as renewable energy, food and health are the focus of this foreign investment, reflecting the success of a results-oriented foreign policy .
During the 2019-2020 period, Indonesia also recorded important diplomatic achievements by becoming a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC). Indonesia’s leadership in the UNSC helped push various important initiatives, including resolutions regarding the role of women in peacekeeping missions and reform of the 1267 Sanctions Committee.
“Indonesia’s leadership in the UN Security Council is proof that our country is increasingly being taken into account at the global level,” said Pahala.
In the arena of multilateral diplomacy, Indonesia continues to consistently support Palestinian rights in international forums. Indonesia is actively pushing for a resolution at the UN demanding an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestine and supporting a two-state solution as a legitimate solution in accordance with international law.
Indonesia has also sent thousands of tons of humanitarian aid to Palestine as a form of real commitment to helping people affected by the conflict. “Indonesia continues to push for a resolution at the UN demanding an end to the Israeli occupation, as well as supporting a two-state solution in accordance with international law,” stressed Pahala.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Indonesian diplomacy also played an important role in securing 516 million vaccine doses, with 26.5% obtained through international grants. Indonesia plays an active role in the COVAX AMC Engagement Group, ensuring fair access to vaccines for developing countries.
“Our health diplomacy has been successful in ensuring fair access, especially for developing countries that are more vulnerable to the impact of the pandemic,” explained Pahala.
In 2022, Indonesia will receive world recognition by hosting the G20 Presidency. Even though it is faced with a complex global situation, Indonesia is able to build international consensus for post-pandemic economic recovery. The resulting “G20 Action for Strong and Inclusive Recovery” document reflects Indonesia’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable global economic recovery.
Apart from that, Indonesia is also encouraging the establishment of a Pandemic Fund in the G20 Presidency, to strengthen the world’s preparedness to face future pandemics, especially for developing countries.
In the Southeast Asia region, Indonesia also plays an important role, especially during the 2023 ASEAN Chair. One of the main initiatives pushed by Indonesia is the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum, which succeeded in producing 93 cooperative projects worth US$38.2 billion.
With the leadership of President Joko Widodo, Indonesia has strengthened Southeast Asia’s position as the center of world economic growth and maintained regional stability amidst ever-developing geopolitical dynamics.
During the decade of President Joko Widodo’s administration, Indonesian diplomacy has not only relied on national interests but has also had a positive impact on global peace, stability and prosperity. These achievements confirm Indonesia’s position as a major player in the international arena.