Indonesia’s “Integrating Indonesia and the Islamic World” policy represents a significant, yet potentially complex, recalibration of its foreign policy priorities. This document, unveiled in Yogyakarta, signals a concerted effort to redefine Indonesia’s role as a major global actor within the Islamic world, demanding a nuanced understanding of historical context, geopolitical currents, and the diverse motivations of key stakeholders. The document’s development and subsequent dissemination highlight a deliberate strategy to foster collaborative action, but its ultimate success hinges on navigating competing national interests and the inherent challenges of shaping a global movement.
The scene is one of deliberate engagement: over 200 individuals from government, academia, and civil society gathered in Yogyakarta to discuss Indonesia’s evolving relationship with the Islamic world. This event, coupled with the document’s creation over the past year, underscores a deliberate attempt to establish Indonesia as a central player in shaping the discourse and direction of Islamic affairs. However, the document’s ambition—to “integrate” a vast and often fragmented global community—faces considerable hurdles, particularly given the shifting dynamics of regional power and the increasing influence of non-state actors.
Historically, Indonesia’s relationship with the broader Islamic world has been characterized by a complex interplay of religious identity, geopolitical strategy, and economic interests. Following Indonesia’s independence in 1945, the nation embraced Islam as a core element of its national identity, seeking to position itself as a leader within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This ambition was fueled by a desire to exert influence in Southeast Asia, counter potential Chinese expansion, and secure economic advantages. However, Indonesia’s embrace of secularism in the post-Suharto era created tensions, particularly with more conservative Islamist movements within the country and across the region. Recent events, including the rise of extremist groups like ISIS and the ensuing instability in countries like Syria and Yemen, have further complicated the landscape, testing Indonesia’s ability to maintain a stable and influential position.
Key stakeholders in this evolving dynamic include Indonesia itself, of course, along with major regional powers such as China, India, and the United States. Within the Islamic world, Saudi Arabia and Iran represent competing centers of influence, each with its own vision for the future of Islam. The document’s framing explicitly references the need to counter what it perceives as undue influence from these external actors, a strategic imperative driven by concerns over both geopolitical security and economic leverage. “Indonesia’s strategic ambition,” explains Vahd Nabyl Achmad Mulachela, Head of the Center for Policy Strategy on Asia Pacific and Africa Region at FPSA, “is to create a more balanced and diversified engagement with the Islamic world, fostering collaboration on issues of mutual concern while safeguarding Indonesia’s national interests.”
Data illustrating Indonesia’s economic ties to the Islamic world provides further context. Indonesia’s trade with OIC member states represents approximately 17% of its total exports, largely driven by commodities like palm oil and textiles. However, this economic relationship is increasingly subject to geopolitical pressures, particularly concerns surrounding supply chain vulnerabilities and accusations of unfair trade practices. Furthermore, Indonesia’s soft power initiatives – including its role in providing humanitarian aid and supporting Islamic educational institutions – represent a key component of the “integration” strategy. “The roadmap aims to reinforce Indonesia’s identity and central role as a Muslim-majority country with the capacity to shape developments within the Islamic world,” states Irawan Jati, Ph.D., Vice Dean for Resources at UII. This ambition requires a sophisticated understanding of the diverse political and religious landscapes within the Muslim world, as well as the ability to manage competing claims and expectations.
The document’s specific priorities include promoting Islamic scholarship, supporting moderate voices within the Muslim community, and advocating for peaceful conflict resolution. However, the execution of this strategy will undoubtedly be influenced by the country’s political dynamics. Recent internal challenges, including debates over constitutional reform and the growing influence of Islamist political parties, could complicate Indonesia’s ability to project a unified and consistent foreign policy. “Indonesia’s position within the Islamic world is inextricably linked to its domestic political landscape,” notes Dr. Arif Rahman, M.Pd.I., Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at UAD. “Therefore, any successful strategy for integration must account for, and proactively manage, the ongoing domestic debates.”
Looking ahead, the immediate impact of the policy document is likely to be reflected in increased diplomatic engagement and collaborative projects within the OIC framework. Within the next six months, we can anticipate a surge in Indonesia’s participation in OIC summits and initiatives, as well as increased efforts to coordinate development assistance with Muslim-majority countries. However, the long-term outcomes – over the next 5-10 years – remain uncertain. The document’s success will depend on Indonesia’s ability to maintain its influence amidst the rising competition from China and Saudi Arabia, as well as the evolving dynamics of extremism and religious pluralism within the Islamic world. The document’s adaptive nature—designed to respond to global shifts—is a critical factor. The ability to adapt quickly and effectively will prove paramount.
The launch of this policy document, while representing a strategically significant step for Indonesia, underscores a critical reflection point: can a nation navigate the complexities of global influence while simultaneously maintaining its own unique identity and values? The conversation surrounding Indonesia’s engagement with the Islamic world is poised to become increasingly central to shaping the future of the region and the global balance of power.