Indonesia’s foreign policy after the first 100 days of the Prabowo Subianto administration has become a widely discussed issue. As a country that upholds bebas aktif (independent and active) foreign policy, Indonesia is expected to play a strategic role in various global issues, including peace on the Korean Peninsula and North Korea's denuclearization efforts.[1] Unlike the previous administration of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo,  Prabowo’s military background, along with his distinct experience and ambitions, could exert an influence on Indonesia’s approach to security diplomacy and regional stability.  

By: Beni Sukadis

One of Prabowo’s key foreign policy visions is reflected in the Asta Cita doctrine, which serves as a guideline for his administration in building a stronger and more influential Indonesia on the global stage. In this context, the principles of sovereignty and self-reliance of Asta Cita are particularly relevant, as Indonesia seeks to take a more active role in international issues without being dependent on the interests of other nations. This stance aligns with Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula while adhering to a neutral and non-aligned foreign policy that still supports peace and denuclearization.  

Indonesia has long been recognized as a country that upholds peace, humanity, and justice in its foreign policy. Regarding the Korean Peninsula issue, Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting denuclearization efforts and peace in the region. This policy aligns with Indonesia’s fundamental diplomatic principles, which consistently promote dialogue, international cooperation, and peaceful conflict resolution.  

Recently, geopolitical dynamics on the Korean Peninsula have become increasingly complex. South Korean and Japanese authorities recently held high-level consultation meetings to discuss preventive measures against Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear weapons development. During these meetings, senior officials from both countries expressed strong commitment to strengthening cooperation with the United States to achieve the complete denuclearization of North Korea. Head of South Korea’s Strategy and Diplomatic Intelligence Agency, Cho Koo-rae, along with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative, Masaaki Kanai, exchanged information and formulated joint strategies. They also highlighted the February 7, 2025 Summit between U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba as a crucial moment in shaping joint policies related to security and intelligence-sharing.  

Close cooperation between South Korea, Japan, and the United States is not only focused on security aspects but also extends to human rights issues in North Korea. During the discussions, serious attention was given to cases of abductions, detentions, and the status of prisoners of war who have yet to be repatriated. This effort aims to increase international pressure on North Korea to improve its human rights record and respect the fundamental rights of its citizens. Amid these international efforts, the operations of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) also play a strategic role in enforcing sanctions to pressure Pyongyang into halting its nuclear program and ballistic missile development.  

As part of the international community, Indonesia closely observes and supports these developments. Indonesia recognizes that stability and peace on the Korean Peninsula have far-reaching implications for regional and global security. In various international forums, Indonesia consistently calls for an inclusive diplomatic approach and open dialogue among all relevant parties. Through its participation in various peace initiatives, Indonesia encourages measures that not only deter provocative actions but also create opportunities for constructive negotiations to resolve disagreements peacefully.  

With the new administration under President Prabowo, Indonesia’s foreign policy may undergo adjustments, particularly regarding strategic issues related to global security and stability. Prabowo’s military background could provide a different perspective on addressing geopolitical challenges, including efforts to strengthen defense cooperation and security diplomacy with various nations. In this regard, the Principle of Peace and Global Prosperity, which is also part of Asta Cita, reflects that Indonesia is not solely focused on domestic interests but also actively contributes to global peace. This stance aligns with Indonesia’s role in supporting North Korea’s denuclearization efforts and advocating for human rights in the region.  

Thus, Indonesia’s position in supporting peace and denuclearization efforts on the Korean Peninsula reflects a broader vision of maintaining regional and global stability. Under Prabowo’s leadership, Indonesia is expected to play a more strategic role in international security issues, continue prioritizing peaceful diplomacy, and foster closer cooperation with other nations to create a safer and more stable region.

The writer is senior analyst at Marapi Consulting & Advisory, Jakarta.

 
[1] https://indonesiabusinesspost.com/1996/Politics/gerindra-prabowo-to-prioritize-peaceful-solutions-on-north-korean-issue

international efforts, the operations of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) also play a strategic role in enforcing sanctions to pressure Pyongyang into halting its nuclear program and ballistic missile development.  

As part of the international community, Indonesia closely observes and supports these developments. Indonesia recognizes that stability and peace on the Korean Peninsula have far-reaching implications for regional and global security. In various international forums, Indonesia consistently calls for an inclusive diplomatic approach and open dialogue among all relevant parties. Through its participation in various peace initiatives, Indonesia encourages measures that not only deter provocative actions but also create opportunities for constructive negotiations to resolve disagreements peacefully.  

With the new administration under President Prabowo, Indonesia’s foreign policy may undergo adjustments, particularly regarding strategic issues related to global security and stability. Prabowo’s military background could provide a different perspective on addressing geopolitical challenges, including efforts to strengthen defense cooperation and security diplomacy with various nations. In this regard, the Principle of Peace and Global Prosperity, which is also part of Asta Cita, reflects that Indonesia is not solely focused on domestic interests but also actively contributes to global peace. This stance aligns with Indonesia’s role in supporting North Korea’s denuclearization efforts and advocating for human rights in the region.  

Thus, Indonesia’s position in supporting peace and denuclearization efforts on the Korean Peninsula reflects a broader vision of maintaining regional and global stability. Under Prabowo’s leadership, Indonesia is expected to play a more strategic role in international security issues, continue prioritizing peaceful diplomacy, and foster closer cooperation with other nations to create a safer and more stable region.

The writer is senior analyst at Marapi Consulting & Advisory, Jakarta.