Indonesia Matters: Asia's Emerging Democratic Power

Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world after China, India, and the United States. It is also the world's largest Muslim-majority country and the third-largest democracy. Its economy is currently the 10th largest globally. Indonesia is recognized as an emerging power and a respected member of the international community. It plays an important role not only in the Asia-Pacific region but also in the world at large.

Indonesia has defied grim predictions about its imminent collapse following the ouster of Suharto in 1998. Its ability to rebuild and reinvigorate itself into its current status is one of the most impressive stories of the late 20th and early 21st century. Its journey since the fall of Suharto is inspiring at a time when the world has seen many failing nations, recurring economic crises, and growing radicalism and terrorism. Yet, the Indonesian story receives far less attention than the BRICS.

The Indonesian story suggests a different pathway to emerging power status. This pathway is based not so much on military or economic resources but on the ability of a country to develop a positive, virtuous correlation among democracy, development, and stability, while pursuing a foreign policy of restraint towards neighbours and active engagement with the world.

This book analyses Indonesia's foreign policy and international role under the democratic regime, focusing on its role as a leader of ASEAN, its relationship with major powers of the Asia Pacific, and its place in the global order of the 21st century.