The Middle East holds significant importance for Indonesia, both strategically and economically. The region’s vast energy resource reserves, crucial geopolitical position, and role as a significant market for Indonesian exports make it a vital area of interest. Additionally, the Middle East is home to a large number of Indonesian expatriates, whose welfare is a priority for the Indonesian government.
Given these factors, Indonesia needs a clear and actionable vision for its foreign policy towards the Middle East. This vision should be designed to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region while advancing Indonesia’s national interests.
From the author’s point of view, Indonesia could consider several recommendations and strategic actions to achieve this vision.
Promoting a Peaceful and Secure Middle East
Indonesia should aim to foster a Middle East characterized by intense and stable governance, which is crucial for regional peace. A central component of this vision is the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with a specific emphasis on Palestinian unity and the end of Israeli occupation. Reducing American hegemony in the region would also promote a more balanced geopolitical landscape. Accordingly, Indonesia can work with other key countries, particularly in the East, to promote a multipolar system.
Maintaining good relations with key regional players, such as Turkey and Iran, is also vital. In this regard, Indonesia can promote a good neighborhood between the Arab countries and both Turkiye and Iran, which will create a mutual understanding and build trust between them. Practical and solution-oriented regional organizations, such as the Arab League and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), are essential for fostering peace and addressing conflicts in the region and should become one of Indonesia’s strategies to pursue through fostering cooperation between those Organizations and ASEAN.
By supporting these elements, Indonesia can contribute to a Middle East that is not only peaceful but also resilient against external influences and internal strife.
In realizing the vision of strong governance in the Middle East and enhancing Indonesia’s role in conflict resolution in the region, Indonesia should prioritize diplomatic efforts that promote strong and stable governance in Middle Eastern countries. These include:
- Supporting Palestinian Unity: Actively engaging in international forums to support Palestinian unity and advocate for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calling for an end to Israeli occupation.
- Reducing External Hegemony: Encouraging a multipolar balance of power in the region to reduce dependency on American hegemony, fostering a more balanced geopolitical environment.
- Enhancing Regional Cooperation: Strengthening relations with key regional players such as Turkey and Iran to build a peace coalition and support effective regional organizations that can resolve conflicts and enhance regional stability.
Fostering a Prosperous Middle East
Economic development and sustainable growth should be at the heart of Indonesia’s vision for a prosperous Middle East. Economic stability is a pillar of regional peace and security. Therefore, fostering economic cooperation and development within the Middle East should be a strategic priority. This includes supporting initiatives that promote infrastructure development, job creation, and technological advancements, which can drive long-term economic prosperity.
For a sustained economic development in the region, Indonesia can take some initiatives, which include:
- Promote Infrastructure Projects: Collaborate with Middle Eastern countries on infrastructure development projects that create jobs and boost economic growth. Participate in initiatives that improve transportation, energy, and communication networks.
- Encourage Technological Advancements: Facilitate knowledge exchange and technology transfer to support innovation and economic diversification in the Middle East.
Building a Trusted Partnership to Advance Indonesia’s National Interests
Indonesia should view the Middle East as a crucial partner in advancing its national interests. This partnership should extend across several domains:
- Global Stability and Peacekeeping: Contributing to global peace and order, focusing on the Middle East. By engaging in diplomatic efforts and supporting peacekeeping missions, Indonesia can help stabilize the region.
- Market Access for Indonesian Exports: Enhancing access to Middle Eastern markets should be a critical economic objective. Indonesia should seek to expand its export footprint, particularly in sectors where it has competitive advantages. This includes agricultural products, textiles, and manufactured goods. Indonesia can expand its market access for Indonesian exports by negotiating trade agreements and participating in trade fairs.
- Tourism and Cultural Exchange: Increasing the flow of tourists between Indonesia and the Middle East should be another strategic goal. By promoting Indonesia as a premier tourist destination for Middle Eastern travelers and its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Indonesia can attract more visitors from the region, thereby boosting its tourism industry.
- Investment Attraction: Attracting both direct and indirect investments from the Middle East should be a priority. This includes encouraging Middle Eastern investors to participate in Indonesia’s development projects, exploring joint ventures that benefit both regions and creating a favorable investment climate to attract direct and indirect investments from Middle Eastern countries. This includes offering incentives for Middle Eastern investors to participate in Indonesia’s development projects and exploring joint ventures in key industries.
- Protection of Indonesian Nationals: Ensuring the safety and well-being of Indonesian citizens in the Middle East is a paramount concern. This involves providing consular support and safeguarding the rights of Indonesian workers abroad.
- Enhanced Bilateral and Multilateral Cooperation: Strengthening political, economic, security, and socio-cultural cooperation with Middle Eastern countries should be essential. This multi-faceted approach can build robust partnerships that address mutual challenges and capitalize on shared opportunities.
- Promote Cultural and Educational Exchange: Facilitating cultural exchange programs and educational partnerships to deepen people-to-people ties and encouraging academic collaboration and student exchanges to foster mutual understanding.
Contributing to Global Stability and Peacekeeping
To increase its participation in international peace efforts, Indonesia should leverage its diplomatic influence to contribute to global peace and stability, with a particular focus on the Middle East. This includes:
- Engage in Peacekeeping Missions: Increasing participation in UN peacekeeping missions in the Middle East to help stabilize conflict-prone areas.
- Support Diplomatic Initiatives: Leading or supporting international diplomatic initiatives for conflict resolution and regional peacebuilding.
By implementing these strategic recommendations, Indonesia can effectively shape its foreign policy towards the Middle East to realize a peaceful, prosperous, and trusted partnership vision.
This approach will enhance Indonesia’s standing on the global stage and contribute to a more stable and cooperative international community. With its strategic importance and rich potential, the Middle East can become a crucial ally in Indonesia’s pursuit of national interests, provided we engage with the region through well-crafted and thoughtful diplomacy.
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