Joe Biden's Impeachment Discourse and the Geopolitical Impact of Indonesia

US PARLIAMENT on Wednesday (13/12/2023), officially authorized an impeachment inquiry into US President Joe Biden , even though the Republican Party failed to present evidence that the president took financial advantage of his family’s business dealings.

With a vote of 221-212, the US Parliament initiated the investigation.

The impeachment of a US president was not only a domestic event, but also created a wave of change that spread to the global geopolitical stage .

Considering US involvement in international organizations and its impact on the global economy, impeachment is a critical moment that demands the attention of the international community, including Indonesia.

This became a major highlight in the global geopolitical order, which then had serious consequences for international relations.

Additionally, the US as one of the world leaders has a significant impact, especially in international organizations such as the UN, IMF and WTO.

Apart from that, impeachment also plays a central role in the global economy. Indonesia as a member of the world economic community cannot avoid its influence.

Changes in US economic policy may unsettle global markets, affect commodity prices, and create investment uncertainty.

This certainly has a serious impact on Indonesia’s economic growth and regional financial stability.

However, Indonesia’s involvement in post-impeachment dynamics is not only limited to economic aspects. Changes in US foreign policy could also create new challenges and opportunities for Indonesia.

As a country that is active in regional diplomacy, Indonesia needs to adapt to shifting global dynamics.

Increasing the capacity for preventive diplomacy

Indonesia’s position in regional organizations such as ASEAN, and its bilateral cooperation, need to be strengthened to face changes in global politics and security.

In responding to these changes, Indonesia must be prepared to face political uncertainty that may occur at the global level.

The problem is that the impeachment of the US President could create turmoil in regional security, and this increases political uncertainty which could affect global stability.

Therefore, Indonesia needs to strengthen its capacity in preventive diplomacy and build strong alliances with countries that have similar interests. Diplomacy is the main instrument in safeguarding national interests.

However, establishing international relations has become an important foundation for Indonesia.

In facing the complex dynamics of the geopolitical world for Indonesia , the order to strengthen preventive diplomacy capacity and build strong alliances is increasingly urgent.

As a country with a strategic role in the Southeast Asia region, Indonesia must carefully navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise in this context. From that point on, preventive diplomacy became a key element in Indonesia’s foreign strategy.

At the same time, to prevent or reduce potential conflicts before they reach a critical point, this is a proactive step to maintain regional stability.

So Indonesia, as a firm supporter of peace and security, must develop effective diplomatic mechanisms to prevent conflict escalation that could harm national and regional interests.

Strengthening preventive diplomacy also requires an active role in efforts to resolve regional conflicts.

By playing a mediation and advocacy role, Indonesia can make a significant contribution to maintaining peace and stability in the Southeast Asia region. This requires close cooperation with neighboring countries and international institutions.

In developing a preventive diplomacy agenda and building alliances, Indonesia must also pay attention to global issues related to security, peace and sustainable development.

By focusing on these issues, Indonesia can strengthen its image as a country committed to international values and become a reliable partner in overcoming global challenges.

Geopolitical Impact

Thus it becomes clear that the impeachment of a president of the United States (US) is not only a domestic event that influences domestic politics, but also creates waves at the regional level that can have a significant impact on Indonesian geopolitics and geostrategy.

Political changes in the US have profound consequences for regional alliances and security agreements in Southeast Asia.

This could trigger countries in the region to re-evaluate their security strategies, in line with new changes in US foreign policy.

Then from a geopolitical perspective, the impeachment of the US president created a new dynamic in relations between countries in the Southeast Asia region.

Regional alliances, such as ASEAN, may be affected by emerging political uncertainties. A shift in US foreign policy priorities and focus could also force countries in the region to evaluate the extent to which their foreign policies align with the new interests and values that a new US administration might promote.

In a geostrategic context, political changes in the US can create new challenges for Indonesia. Countries in Southeast Asia may seek further security given the uncertainty that impeachment may bring.

Restructuring security strategies could involve increasing bilateral or multilateral cooperation, establishing new alliances, or even increasing military capabilities to maintain stability in the region.

Apart from that, geostrategic impacts can also be seen in regional security issues, such as handling maritime conflicts in the South China Sea.

Changes in US foreign policy that could affect US approach and support. All of this requires adaptation and new strategies from countries in the region, including Indonesia, in maintaining maritime security and overcoming potential regional tensions.

Indonesia’s geostrategic importance as an archipelagic nation also played a role in responding to the US president’s impeachment .

Stability in the Asia Pacific region has direct implications for Indonesia’s security and stability.

Therefore, Indonesia must consider how political changes in the US may affect regional security dynamics and adopt strategies that ensure its national interests are protected.

Indonesia can also take advantage of the opportunity to strengthen its regional diplomacy. From a geopolitical perspective , the impeachment of the US President highlights Indonesia’s key role as a strategic country in the Southeast Asia region.

Political uncertainty in the US can create regional instability, in this context Indonesia has the responsibility to maintain stability. As well as, playing a proactive role in maintaining peace in the surrounding area.

Ultimately, the impeachment of the US President also has implications for the dynamics of Indonesia’s relations with major powers at the global level.

As a country committed to a free and active foreign policy, Indonesia must consider the balance of its relations with various major powers.

As well as ensuring that foreign policy is in line with national interests and encouraging mutually beneficial cooperation.

(Prof. DR. Drs. Ermaya Suradinata, SH, MH, MSI, is the former Director General of Sospol of the Ministry of Home Affairs RI, Rector of IPDN, Governor of Lemhannas RI, and currently the Board of Experts for Geopolitics and Geostrategy of BPIP RI.)

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