Indonesian Diplomacy in Eurasia: Opportunities and Challenges Amidst Geopolitical Uncertainty

The geopolitical uncertainty gripping the Eurasian region, from the conflict in Ukraine, and tensions between Russia and NATO to the strategic rivalry between the United States and China, has created a new dynamic for international relations.

Eurasia, stretching from Eastern Europe to Central Asia, is a central stage for the competition for influence. For Indonesia, this region is not merely a distant land but a strategic partner in trade, energy investment, technology, and multilateral diplomacy. Indonesia’s independent and active foreign policy principle serves as a key asset for navigating this uncertainty, but its implementation is often tested by the realities of global polarization.

One of Indonesia’s greatest opportunities lies in its position as a balancing force and a bridge for dialogue. In forums like the G20, Indonesia has demonstrated its ability to accommodate the interests of both Russia and Western countries, for example, during the escalating conflict in Ukraine. Rather than choosing sides, Indonesia advocated for peaceful solutions and humanitarian assistance. This stance has increased Eurasian countries’ trust in Indonesia’s impartial yet principled diplomacy. Furthermore, Indonesia’s chairmanship of ASEAN further strengthens the region’s voice in promoting an inclusive Eurasian security architecture, for example, through the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), which emphasizes collaboration, not direct confrontation.

Finding balance in an era of conflict and sanctions

Economically, Eurasia offers a large market and abundant........

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