Indonesia is often referred to as the “de facto leader of ASEAN” because of its historical contribution to ASEAN’s establishment in 1967 and its role in advancing ASEAN regionalism in subsequent years, particularly after the Cold War. Nevertheless, is Indonesia still an ASEAN leader today, or has it instead failed to address the region’s current problems? As ASEAN Chair in 2023, what challenges is Indonesia currently facing and must resolve to ensure regional stability in the future? This book examines Indonesia’s role in improving ASEAN across three key issues: social integration, institutional reform, and repositioning in response to shifts in global geopolitics. Given its historical contribution as one of ASEAN’s “pioneers,” Indonesia needs to provide not only normative leadership, but also intellectual and institutional leadership, so that ASEAN can maintain its relevance in regional and global politics. Combining historical reflection with contemporary politics, this book urges Indonesia’s foreign policy to help create a better future for ASEAN, particularly under Indonesia’s new leadership after the 2024 General Election.
About the Authors
Dr. Ahmad Rizky M. Umar is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Queensland and Griffith University, Australia. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Universitas Gadjah Mada (2013), a Master’s degree in Political Research Methods from the University of Sheffield (2016), and a PhD in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Queensland (2022). His research and teaching focus on International Relations, Asian regional politics, and contemporary political theory. His articles have appeared in several academic journals, including Alternatives, Asian Politics and Policy, International Affairs, and International Journal. Umar was a visiting researcher at the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, Australian National University (2020). He received an Asia study grant from the National Library of Australia (NLA) and conducted archival research in the NLA’s Asian Collections (2020), as well as a postdoctoral writing grant from the Asian Studies Association of Australia (2023). At Griffith University, he taught “Ethics and International Relations” in Trimester 2/2023, and also taught “Conflict and Nonviolent Change” at the University of Queensland in Semester 1/2023. Outside academia, Umar is Chair of the Queensland Special Branch Leadership of Muhammadiyah (PRIM) and an adviser to the Indonesian Islamic Society of Brisbane (IISB).