Does Widodo want to embrace Quad and Aukus?
President of Indonesia Joko Widodo (Jokowi) told the Strait Times, “We should view the Quad and AUKUS as partners, and not competitors … ASEAN’s aim is to make the region a stable and peaceful one.” The statement came while Indonesia was chairing ASEAN, and it may give fresh air to Australia, which is currently steadfastly developing its submarine capabilities. At the same time, it also signals a ‘softer’ approach of Indonesia to the security alliance in the Indo-Pacific.
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) and the trilateral security pact among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (AUKUS) are both consisting of Australia. The two pacts aim to counter China’s military power and political power in the region.
As a neighbouring country, at the beginning of the announcement of the pact in 2021, Indonesia “repeatedly and forcefully” raised its national security concerns over the pact to Australia. Indonesia is highly concerned with the pact that includes intelligence sharing and constructing and deploying nuclear-powered submarines. Moreover, it could also elevate the tension with China and the arms race among countries. Then, why would Joko Widodo change his approach to Australia?
No engagement in formal talks with AUKUS or QUAD, yet
After Widodo’s statement, the Indonesian envoy to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) confirmed that the regional organization has not held any formal talk with either the Aukus security alliance or the Quad group. The envoy emphasized that Widodo’s statement was based on general knowledge that ASEAN is open to any interaction and cooperation that benefit ASEAN and its members.
Institutional balancing theory introduces the concept of using multilateral institutions as a strategy for states to address security challenges. The theory believes in the importance of economic interdependence and the distribution of capabilities in shaping state behaviour. Distribution of capabilities refers to the relative distribution of power, resources, and capabilities among states within a regional system.
ASEAN is positioned as a vital power in the rivalry among big countries in the Indo-Pacific, and ASEAN must keep its relevance by maintaining security and stability in the region. In the Strait Times interview, President Widodo believes that ASEAN has various forms of diplomacy; hence collaboration, cooperation, and active involvement are the principles of ASEAN. He restated that ASEAN does not favour conflict in the region or isolation.
Jokowi’s remarks reflect that despite the concern, ASEAN, particularly Indonesia, still have similarities and common goals with Australia to maintain regional security and stability. Instead of countering the pacts, Widodo believes that Indonesia and ASEAN should embrace and cooperate with the Aukus and Quad instead.
Additionally, with bilateral relations with Australia, Indonesia developed a comprehensive defence agreement which includes various aspects such as military medicine, technology, and even the defence industry. The two countries committed to enhancing military engagement, which will also deepen trust, cooperation, and practical arrangement for both countries.
Institutional balancing to ensure economic cooperation and security are the foundation that Indonesia wants to develop among ASEAN and Aukus, or Quad. From the Quad perspective, it is also advantageous for the Quad allies to utilize the positive regard they have earned and involve compatible allies in Southeast Asia. Instead of merely echoing the repetitive phrase of ASEAN centrality, the Quad could take the lead in aligning ASEAN’s perspective with regard to the Indo-Pacific framework.
While each Quad member maintains separate ties with ASEAN nations, it is in the broader interest of both the Quad and ASEAN to ensure a unified approach towards realizing a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific, which can be considered a key priority for both parties.