In the post-Cold War era in Southeast Asia, Indonesia has always been an important weathervane in demonstrating the state of "realpolitik" in the region. Therefore, the recent diplomatic flurry of high-profile visits by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, shows the country's efforts to stay ahead of today's rapidly changing strategic landscape, in particular in the Indo-Pacific region.
As the world's third-largest democracy, Jakarta has the legitimacy to be more outgoing and speak for the wider world from Southeast Asian perspectives. That helps explain why these days Indonesia also attracts attention from all the great powers, especially during its current chair of G20. In addition, in his second term, Jokowi could not resist making his presence felt outside his own country. As the only Asean member of the G20, Jakarta views itself as a regional juggernaut. Other Muslim countries such as Turkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have also become proactive and are playing the big diplomatic games. Now be aware: Indonesia is rising with better democratic credentials.
