Indonesia’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific and beyond

Indonesia’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific and beyond

Author: ANU National Security College August 28, 2025 Duration: 51:16

How has Indonesia’s foreign policy evolved under President Prabowo? 

Is Indonesia slowly moving from being ‘non-aligned’ to being ‘multi-aligned’? 

How have recent US foreign and domestic policies affected its relationship with Indonesia? 

How can Australia and Indonesia strengthen their relationship and enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific? 

 

In this episode, Natalie Sambhi and Yohanes Sulaiman join David Andrews to explore Indonesia's evolving role as a strategic actor in the Indo-Pacific and its relationship with major players in the region.

 

Dr Natalie Sambhi is Founder and Executive Director, Verve Research. She is also a Senior Policy Fellow with the Asia Society Australia. 

Dr Yohanes Sulaiman is an Associate Professor of International Relations at Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani in Indonesia. He is also the Executive Editor of the Journal of Global Strategic Studies. 

David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at the ANU National Security College (NSC). 

 

TRANSCRIPT

 

Show notes 

  

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Produced by the ANU National Security College, The National Security Podcast offers a deep and nuanced examination of the forces shaping regional and global stability. This isn't just a surface-level news recap; it's a forum for serious, informed discussion grounded in academic rigor and policy expertise. Each episode features conversations with leading thinkers, practitioners, and analysts who unpack the complex security landscape, from geopolitical shifts and economic coercion to cyber threats and climate-related risks. The focus is consistently on the pressing challenges and strategic choices confronting Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Listeners will gain access to a range of perspectives that cut through the noise, providing clarity on how today's decisions shape tomorrow's security environment. By engaging with this podcast, you join a conversation that is both timely and essential, one that connects theoretical understanding with the practical realities of government and international affairs. The dialogue here is built on evidence and experience, offering listeners a trusted source to better comprehend the intricate dynamics of power, diplomacy, and defense. It's an ongoing exploration of what security means in a rapidly changing world, delivered through thoughtful, long-form discussions that prioritize depth and insight.
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