Geopolitics and geostrategy Indonesia is in a very strategic position in the world. This was first stated by President Soekarno when conveying the main ideas of Indonesian geopolitics and geostrategy at the opening of the first regular course, as well as the inauguration of the Indonesian National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas) on May 20 1965.

Soekarno or Bung Karno emphasized that knowledge of geostrategy and geopolitics was very much needed. President Soekarno founded Lemhannas in the midst of world polarization, which had an impact on national life which was full of instability.

Bung Karno has laid the foundations of the concept of achieving an Indonesia that is fully sovereign and capable of laying the foundations of defense and security in accordance with the geopolitics and culture of the Indonesian nation. In relation to defense, Bung Karno stated, “Arrange national defense based on national character.”

So, Bung Karno not only positioned Lemhannas as a place to galvanize potential leaders, but also as a think tank based on Indonesia’s strategic geopolitical position.

So, Bung Karno’s strategic direction became clearer so that Lemhannas could produce national leaders who understood the consequences of the struggle between big countries, the geopolitical battle between the main countries in the region and what impact it had on Indonesia.

Bung Karno’s mandate to broaden the horizons of geopolitical and geostrategic insight remains relevant today. This can be used to read current global dynamics, including when Australia, Indonesia’s neighbor which has had strong ties with Indonesia that have existed since 1945, recently purchased 220 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States (US) worth 1.3 billion Australian dollars or equivalent to IDR 13.4 trillion.

The missile can travel at very low altitudes at high subsonic speeds, and is controlled with a guidance system tailored to the mission.

Indonesia positively assesses that Australia is strengthening its strong defense structure. Good neighbors know that Australia is a region with a strategic location, and this capital contributes significantly to ensuring peace and stability in the region.

Apart from that, it is interesting that the plan to purchase Tomahawk missiles was approved by the US Department of State on March 17 2023, announced only a few days after Australia announced a nuclear-powered submarine project under the AUKUS agreement.

In this regard, the US considers Australia to be one of the most important allies in the Western Pacific.

(Prof. DR. Drs. Ermaya Suradinata, SH, MH, MSI, is the former Director General of Social and Political Affairs of the Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs, Chancellor of IPDN, Governor of Lemhannas RI, and currently the Expert Council for Geopolitics and Geostrategy of BPIP RI.)