Thread by @aei_official

Third speaker, Prof Yanyan from Padjajaran University, Indonesia - he is presenting on the 1. Indonesian foreign policy, 2. Geopolitical condition of Indonesia, 3. Regional strategic aspects of Indonesian security challenges, and 4. its strategic implications. #EuropeInTheNewAsia

On Indonesian Foreign Policy, the dominant factors are nationalism, economic development and domestic politics. #EuropeInTheNewAsia

President Susilo Bambang Yuhoyono's interpretation of Indonesia’s’ Free and Active Foreign policy: 1. Constructive Mindset, 2. Never engage in a military pact, 3. Connectivity with the wider world, 4. Project Indonesia’s international identity and..
#EuropeInTheNewAsia

5. Reflect true brand of Indonesian nationalism that is open, confident, moderate, tolerant and outward looking.
#EuropeInTheNewAsia

Jokowi administration: All nations are friends until Indonesia’s sovereignty is degraded and national interest is jeopardised, Indonesia should not hesitate and should leave the tradition of deference to superiors. #EuropeInTheNewAsia

5 pillars of Jokowi’s maritime-axis doctrine:
1. Rebuild Indonesia’s maritime culture
2. Maintain and manage marine resources
3. Provide priority to the development of maritime infrastructure and connectivity
4. Maritime diplomacy
5. Develop maritime defense forces

This maritime emphasis is natural given that as a big country, Indonesia share many maritime borders and there are currently 12 islands that can potentially be disputed with other countries. #EuropeInTheNewAsia

Nevertheless, ASEAN and its many institutions remains the cornerstone of Indonesia’s foreign policy. #EuropeInTheNewAsia

On Indonesia and China: China proposed to build navigation and security facilities in the first Indonesian archipelagic Sea Lane in the Indonesia China Maritime agreement, where China asked for Sabang (in Aceh). #EuropeInTheNewAsia

The region is witnessing the return of US and China military presence and without careful and clear policy, it can pose new dangers to the already volatile world. #EuropeInTheNewAsia

Countries in the ASEAN region; some see the USA as a great friend and ally, while some see China as a great friend and partner. There should be a synergic diplomacy for the region’s stability and prosperity. #EuropeInTheNewAsia

Q&A - Prof Muni on the role of religion: In Asean, the main driver is Indonesia - they have a problem with Singapore because of the different approach, but with Indonesia’s diplomacy they managed to handle it - there is no religious factor involved.

Any geopolitical concept should not be related with sectarian or religious element - Indo-pacific is purely economic and geopolitical concept. #EuropeInTheNewAsia

YM Raja Dato' Nushirwan- You engage with China the same way you engage with America; whether they respond or not, it is a different question. Again, there’s no need for new constructs - we have to respond to the emerging opinion. The Asean Outlook on Indo-Pacific outlines this.

There has not been any situation where we have agreed to American and China interference and vice versa - we are not asked to choose and we will not choose - the concept of bargaining in practical sense does not exist. #EuropeInTheNewAsia

Prof Yanyan- Likewise, the concern on the emerging construct depends on economic and strategic needs not religion. #EuropeInTheNewAsia

On FOIP and BRI - Prof Muni: Constructs such as the Indo-pacific are all depending on what the leaders; who are driving the concept by trying to achieve certain objectives.
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YM: You don’t need to choose between the Free and Open Indo-Pacific and BRI; you can have both. In agreement with Prof Muni that India is an integral part of the region, what we are seeing a re-emergence of international order that has existed for centuries

Q: Malaysia is relatively medium sized country - what are the three most important bilateral relations and why?
A: China because it is the largest trading partner and Indonesia. These two are most important and others depend on the changing political climate. #EuropeInTheNewAsia

Closing Remarks by @rahulmishr_ - Is there anything new in the anxieties? We think the new anxieties is on the part of Europe; in the past 200-250 years, this is the first time Europe is not part of a strategic construct. It is also coming from local players. #EuropeInTheNewAsia

@rahulmishr_ As the days of global hegemony are over replaced by regional hegemony and the rise of regionalism, what will the regional order looks like? #EuropeInTheNewAsia

@rahulmishr_ New construct in recent past is the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, a platform created by non-Western countries, it is hoped that in the long term it would be able to compete with institutions like World bank. SCO and BRI are other examples. #EuropeInTheNewAsia

@rahulmishr_ Strategic holiday for Europe is over; The responsibility is now with the EU to come up with a plan an execute it. If EU is unable to catch up, the loss with be with the European countries and not with Asia. #EuropeInTheNewAsia