Indonesia’s Geopolitical Stance Remains Consistently Non-Aligned: Asta Cita as the Path Toward a Greater Indonesia - Center for Geopolitic and Geostrategic Studies

President Prabowo Subianto’s statement in Vladivostok, Russia, on September 3, 2026, reaffirmed a fundamental principle of Indonesia’s foreign policy: remaining non-aligned, refraining from joining any military alliance, while remaining open to building relations and cooperation with all countries. This reaffirmation was delivered when the President attended the 11th Eastern Economic Forum as its chief guest of honor.

In a global landscape increasingly characterized by competition among major powers, this statement was more than a diplomatic message. It reaffirmed Indonesia’s determination to remain an independent actor in global affairs, rather than becoming an object that merely follows the will of other powers. This choice has deep historical roots. Since the 1955 Asian-African Conference and the emergence of the Non-Aligned Movement, Indonesia has placed independence and sovereignty at the foundation of its international position.

Indonesia’s independent and active foreign policy does not mean distancing itself from the world, much less adopting a passive stance. “Independent” means that Indonesia does not align itself with any particular power bloc, while “active” means that Indonesia actively promotes peace, international justice, and its national interests. In this sense, non-alignment is not merely a diplomatic position but a manifestation of the principles underlying Indonesia’s independence.

Today, the world once again presents Indonesia with complex challenges. Competition between the United States and China continues to intensify, Russia maintains its strategic influence, while India, Japan, the European Union, Australia, and various regional powers continue to expand their interests. The global order is moving toward multipolarity, but multipolarity does not automatically mean a more peaceful world. Therefore, Indonesia’s decision not to join any particular military alliance provides it with greater strategic flexibility.

Indonesia can build relations with the United States without becoming hostile toward Russia. Indonesia can strengthen economic cooperation with China without distancing itself from Japan, India, or Europe. Defense relations with one country should not necessarily be interpreted as alignment with a particular bloc. Indonesian diplomacy must be capable of separating national interests from geopolitical pressures so that every international relationship remains firmly grounded in sovereignty.

This is where Asta Cita gains strategic relevance. Asta Cita should not be viewed merely as a domestic development agenda, but also as a foundation of Indonesia’s geopolitical strategy. An independent and active foreign policy requires a nation that is strong from within. The first pillar of Asta Cita emphasizes strengthening Pancasila ideology, democracy, and human rights as fundamental principles of governance. This is essential because Indonesia’s foreign policy must never lose its national identity.

Pancasila serves as the guiding compass that distinguishes Indonesia’s independent and active foreign policy from mere balance-of-power politics. Indonesia may maintain friendships with any nation, but it must never compromise its principles. Diplomacy must reflect the values of just and civilized humanity, Indonesian unity, deliberative democracy, and social justice.

Asta Cita also calls for strengthening national defense and security. A non-aligned foreign policy will lose its bargaining power if it is not supported by the capability to defend national sovereignty.

Indonesia does not need to build military strength to threaten other countries, but it must possess sufficient capabilities to prevent anyone from underestimating its national interests. An independent defense capability serves as a foundation supporting its independent and active diplomacy.

The same principle applies to the economy. Self-reliance does not mean closing the door to foreign investment. Indonesia still needs global investment, trade, and technology. However, openness must operate within the framework of national interests. Investment must generate added value, create employment opportunities, strengthen domestic industries, and enhance technological capabilities.

Food and energy self-sufficiency are also integral parts of geopolitical strategy. In a world increasingly vulnerable to conflict and supply chain disruptions, food and energy are not merely economic concerns. Both are instruments of sovereignty. A country that cannot guarantee the basic needs of its people becomes more vulnerable to external pressure. Therefore, the development of agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy, infrastructure, processing industries, and national distribution systems must be positioned as part of national resilience.

Asta Cita must be translated into an agenda that expands the nation’s ability to create, develop, and master strategic technologies. International cooperation should result in knowledge transfer and stronger national capabilities, rather than permanent dependence. This principle represents a crucial asset in diplomacy.

Therefore, Indonesia’s independent and active diplomacy must evolve from reactive diplomacy toward strategic diplomacy. Indonesia does not need to participate in every geopolitical confrontation. Not every conflict should force Indonesia to choose sides. However, Indonesia must not remain silent when peace, international law, and global justice are threatened. The independent and active principle provides Indonesia with the opportunity to serve as a bridge for dialogue when other countries become trapped in tensions.

Asta Cita also has an important governance dimension. An independent and active foreign policy requires a government that is clean, respected, and supported by strong legitimacy. Corruption, conflicts of interest, weak governance, and social inequality can undermine Indonesia’s bargaining power from within. A country may possess vast territory and abundant natural resources, but if its institutions are weak, those strengths can easily become vulnerabilities.

Indonesia also needs highly capable human resources. A demographic dividend does not automatically translate into a geopolitical advantage. A Greater Indonesia cannot be built solely through buildings, roads, and industrial estates, but also through people who possess knowledge, character, creativity, and a strong sense of national identity.

In this context, Asta Cita becomes the bridge between human development and national strength. A Greater Indonesia cannot be built merely on pride in its history, but through the ability to determine its own future.

With Pancasila as its guiding compass, national interests as its primary orientation, and global cooperation as the arena for advancing its aspirations, Indonesia can stand firmly amid global transformations: not as a satellite of any major power, but as a nation capable of expanding friendships, safeguarding sovereignty, and helping shape the direction of the global order toward peace, justice, and prosperity.

This is the path toward a Greater Indonesia: independent in determining its position, active in promoting peace, self-reliant in building national strength, and open to fostering friendships with the entire world.

Ermaya Suradinata Geopolitical and Geostrategic Observer Director General of Social and Political Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs (1998–2001) Governor of the National Resilience Institute of the Republic of Indonesia (LEMHANNAS RI) (2001–2005)