By: Prof. Dr. Drs. Ermaya Suradinata, S.H., M.H., M.S.

Editor: Dhania Puspa Purbasari

On July 11, 2024, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg closed NATO’s 75th Summit in Washington D.C., United States.

It was a landmark moment marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of NATO, an organization that has been a key pillar of transatlantic security since World War II.

For seven decades, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) has been the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a multi-nation military alliance that has been instrumental in maintaining stability in Europe and North America – as well as responding to threats and adapting to changing geopolitical dynamics.

This not only underscores NATO’s long journey, but also reaffirms the commitment of its members to remain united in the face of increasingly complex global security challenges.

For Indonesia, as a non-member of NATO, this development remains important in the context of global geopolitics and its implications for the security of the Indo-Pacific region.

In addition to involving NATO member states, the Conference was also attended by partner countries from the Indo-Pacific region such as Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and the European Union.

The presence of these countries reflects the importance of global collaboration in addressing transboundary security issues.

In the context of Indonesia’s geopolitics and geostrategy, the presence of Indo-Pacific partners at the NATO Summit shows the increasing attention to the region that has become the center of gravity of the world economy and politics.

Indonesia, as the largest country in ASEAN and a key player in the Indo-Pacific region, needs to monitor these developments closely to ensure national interests and regional stability are maintained.

Indonesia’s role and position

Indonesia, as the largest country in Southeast Asia and an active member of ASEAN, plays a strategic role in regional geopolitics.

Its geographical location on international trade routes, as well as its membership in various international organizations, make Indonesia a key player in the Asia-Pacific region.

The stability and security of the region depends heavily on Indonesia’s active role in maintaining the balance of power, and cooperating with other countries.

While Indonesia is not a member of NATO, the growing cooperation between NATO and Indo-Pacific partners has important implications for Indonesia’s foreign and security policy.

This collaboration demonstrates increased attention to the Indo-Pacific region, which is increasingly considered the center of gravity of global geopolitics.

NATO, by strengthening ties with countries such as Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea, reflects efforts to address broader and more diverse security challenges.

Indonesia is considering how these partnerships could affect the balance of power in the region. The presence of NATO and its partners in the Indo-Pacific can be a balancing factor against the influence of other great powers, such as China.

In this context, Indonesia assesses how this new dynamic could impact regional diplomatic and economic relations, and how it can strategically position itself to defend its national interests.

Indonesia is also thinking about how it can adapt to defend its national interests.

This includes strengthening military capabilities, enhancing security cooperation with neighboring countries, and active participation in international forums.

In this way, Indonesia can ensure its national interests are maintained amidst geopolitical changes.

Diplomatic opportunities

NATO’s 75th anniversary is an important moment in the history of global diplomacy. It prompts deep reflection on forgotten diplomatic promises following the end of the Cold War.

These promises, originally designed to support peace and stability in post-war Europe, have unfortunately become a source of tension that has led to conflicts, including the conflict in Ukraine.

For Indonesia, which espouses the principle of a free and active foreign policy, this moment highlights the importance of consistent and trusted diplomacy. This is to build long-term peace, and prevent conflict escalation that harms many parties.

As the world’s largest archipelago, Indonesia plays a central role in global geopolitical dynamics despite not being a member of NATO.

Indonesia’s foreign policy, which focuses on the principle of free and active, has led the country to become a mediator and arbiter in various regional and international conflicts.

In this context, Indonesia can learn that consistency in maintaining diplomatic commitments is key to maintaining regional and global stability.

At the same time, this commemoration emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in maintaining global peace.

In the face of changing geopolitical dynamics, Indonesia must maintain its position as a neutral, yet active country in global diplomacy.

By applying the principle of free and active, Indonesia can be involved in efforts to maintain peace and resolve international conflicts. Consistent, reliable and dialog-oriented diplomacy is the main instrument in maintaining regional and global stability.

Indonesia can draw inspiration from NATO’s role in building close regional cooperation in facing common security challenges.

By actively engaging in multilateral forums and increasing national capacity in various fields, Indonesia can make a significant contribution to maintaining global security. This is a reflection that raises diplomatic opportunities.

So Indonesia, with its strategic position in the Asia-Pacific region, still has the independence to face increasingly complex challenges in global geopolitics.

NATO’s 75th anniversary specifically highlights the importance of international cooperation in maintaining security and stability, inspiring Indonesia’s geopolitical and geostrategic interests, especially in facing the threat of cyber defense and disinformation.

Cooperation between NATO and Indo-Pacific partners is a model for Indonesia to strengthen its capacity to anticipate and respond to cyber threats that can threaten national security and political stability.

In the context of regional balance of power dynamics, the strengthening relationship between NATO and Indo-Pacific countries such as Australia, Japan and South Korea has significant implications for Indonesia.

Indonesia must closely monitor these developments to maintain the balance of power in the region.

By intensifying regional dialogue and cooperation, Indonesia can ensure that its national interests are safeguarded while contributing to broader stability in the Asia-Pacific.

Reflecting on NATO’s post-Cold War unfulfilled diplomatic promises, Indonesia emphasizes the importance of consistent and credible diplomacy in addressing international conflicts.

As a supporter of the principle of a free and active foreign policy, Indonesia continues to adhere to these principles in carrying out its global diplomacy.

By prioritizing international dialogue and cooperation, Indonesia can avoid conflict escalation and build a solid foundation of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

At the same time, Indonesia has the opportunity to utilize lessons learned from NATO’s experience in building close regional cooperation.

Through active participation in international forums and domestic capacity building, Indonesia can serve as a major player in maintaining global security and effectively champion its national interests.

By doing so, Indonesia not only strengthens its position in regional geopolitics, but also makes a meaningful contribution to creating a more secure and stable world for all humanity.

It is clear then that NATO’s 75th Summit and cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners marks a new chapter in efforts to confront global security challenges.

For Indonesia, it is important to observe and respond to these developments wisely, maintain the balance of power in the region, and strengthen effective diplomacy to ensure national security and stability.

Prof. Dr. Drs. Ermaya Suradinata, S.H., M.H., M.Si. was the Governor of Lemhannas RI (2001-2005) and the Director General of Social Politics at the Ministry of Home Affairs RI (1998-2000). He is currently the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Center for Geopolitics & Geostrategy Studies Indonesia (CGSI), and the Head of the Expert Team of the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP) RI.