Vol. V / No. 4 | July 2024
Authors:
Abid A. Adonis (DPhil Student at Oxford Internet Institute & Pembroke College, the University of Oxford and Bakrie Fellow Scholar)
Summary
This commentary explores the changing dynamics of UK-Indonesia relations following the 2024 elections, which resulted in new governments in both countries. In the UK, the Labour Party, led by Sir Keir Starmer, has introduced “Progressive Realism” as their foreign policy principles, aiming to reconnect with global allies while addressing modern geopolitical challenges. In Indonesia, building upon Incumbent President Joko Widodo’s platform, President-elect Prabowo Subianto signifies “Pragmatic Realism” as their foreign policy core, focusing on national security, economic growth, and regional stability. The article examines the potential and challenges for these two realist approaches to align, particularly in economic cooperation and geopolitics. The analysis highlights the importance of setting non-negotiables, engaging constructively, and overcoming credibility issues to improve the UK-Indonesia relationship under their new leadership.
Keywords: UK-Indonesia relations, foreign policy, Realism, Progressive Realism, Pragmatic Realism, economic diplomacy.