Indonesia embraces China in pursuit of Global South interests

Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto completed his first overseas trip to China on November 10, 2024. This visit marked a significant diplomatic engagement for Indonesia following Prabowo's assumption of the presidency in March of the same year. During this trip, he attended both APEC and G20 leaders' summits where he advocated for the interests of developing nations. The Indonesian government aims to strengthen relations with China, believing in the synergies between their development goals. Indonesian Ambassador to China, Djauhari Oratmangun, underlined the country's alignment with China's development philosophy and its commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors. At the G20 summit in Brazil, President Prabowo highlighted global collaboration to tackle pressing challenges such as poverty, hunger, and climate change while emphasizing the Sustainable Development Goals. Indonesia's active participation in these international fora showcases its strategic approach to advocate for emerging markets. Also, the ambassador discussed the importance of APEC as a platform to foster connectivity and inclusivity in the Asia-Pacific region amidst complex global challenges. This commitment positions Indonesia not only as a regional leader but also as a vital connector between developed and developing worlds. Furthermore, Indonesia's aspirations to join BRICS align with its foreign policy goals of diversifying partnerships and enhancing its global influence. The move is seen as a means to forge stronger ties with fellow developing nations, and to enhance the representation of their interests on the global stage. Indonesia aims to support a fairer global economic order where developing countries have a greater voice. This is vital in ensuring that Indonesia can contribute to fostering sustainable development and mutual growth in collaboration with China and other emerging economies. Overall, this visit and Indonesia's strategic initiatives reflect the nation's proactive stances in pursuing economic recovery and development post-COVID, reinforcing its role in global governance, and enhancing diplomatic engagements in a rapidly changing world.