Indonesian Perspective on US Rebalance to Pacific: Deepening Partnerships Craig Stewart Holly South
Interest in Rebalance Opportunity to welcome return of US interest in region Decreased US interest/Increased Chinese interest Take advantage of the economic opportunities presented by renewed US engagement in region “Free and active” foreign policy doctrine 2010 “Comprehensive Partnership Agreement” between US and Indonesia Prefer to maintain status quo for military engagement Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response Maritime Security Peacekeeping Operations Combatting Transnational Threats Concern regarding sustained military presence Western Papua separatist movement could seek to gain legitimacy from US due to renewed regional interest by US Historical example (1950’s)
Policy #1: Status Quo Economic opportunities Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (CPA) ASEAN+8 engagement Military engagement Engage collectively in soft/non-contentious military activities Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response Counter Piracy Combatting Transnational Threats
Policy #2: Enhanced Engagement Economic Opportunities ASEAN+8/CPA Trans-Pacific Partnership Military Engagement Engage collectively in soft/non-contentious military activities Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response Counter Piracy Combatting Transnational Threats Selected capability support (Counter-Piracy) Maritime Patrol Boats C4ISR Integration
Policy #3: Comprehensive Engagement Economic Opportunities ASEAN+8/CPA Trans-Pacific Partnership Military Engagement Engage collectively in soft/non-contentious military activities Selected capability support (Counter-Piracy) Combined military exercises with US, Indonesia, Australia, and China
Preferred Policy: Enhanced Engagement Supports Indonesian “Free and active” foreign policy doctrine Supports national goal for economic development Avoids hegemonic choice Mitigates Indonesian concern of sustained presence