As the chair of ASEAN for 2011, Indonesia faces the challenge to build on the strong and proactive leadership of Vietnam in 2010. Indonesia’s global impact will only be effective if it can lead within Southeast Asia. But though it is ASEAN’s largest economy, it has not been a leader on trade, and it has a myriad of microeconomic challenges that limit its vast potential as a hub for foreign direct investors seeking an anchor venue in the 10 country, 620 million people, $1.8 trillion gross domestic Southeast Asian market. In terms of economic dynamism, Indonesia has an incredible opportunity to lead. The truth is that Indonesia is generally moving in the right direction on these issues, but stronger leadership at home is needed to institutionalise and practically implement these fundamental Indonesian values. President Yudhoyono confidently hailed democracy, human rights and eliminating corruption as key pillars for Indonesian influence. Neither of these challenges have been fully met. However, to be effective globally, Indonesia must strengthen its institutions at home and provide real leadership in its immediate neighborhood - in ASEAN. These changes are investments in enhancing global stability, peace and prosperity. The EAS and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus represent ASEAN-based nascent regional security architecture. The World Bank is restructuring the relative representation of countries, taking into account the new role of states like Indonesia, Brazil, China and India the United Nations is moving in the same direction. Indonesian influence could be an overwhelmingly positive input as the world defines new frameworks and architecture. Indonesia is the chair of ASEAN and the East Asia Summit (EAS) this year and will chair APEC in 2013. It is a member of the G20 and a massive presence in other global fora such as the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). By most criteria, Indonesia has a stronger claim on BRIC membership - the group including Brazil, Russia, India and China - than Russia. Indonesia is the world’s fourth-largest country and third-largest democracy. Addressing a well-heeled World Economic Forum audience, he asserted Indonesia’s intent to influence global trends: ‘Asia is of course more than China, Japan and India,’ he said. Last week in the snowy Swiss enclave of Davos, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia threw down the rhetorical gauntlet and announced Indonesia’s plans to be a global player. Economics, Politics and Public Policy in East Asia and the Pacific
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |