Indonesia's Role in Shaping ASEAN Amidst US - China Rivalry

Yi Lu, Shira Ashkenazi

Abstract: This paper explores Indonesia's strategic position within ASEAN amid escalating US - China tensions in the Asia - Pacific region. It evaluates Jakarta's leadership in promoting ASEAN unity and its navigation of complex minilateral agreements like AUKUS and QUAD. The analysis reveals how Indonesia balances foreign pressures while fostering a multipolar regional order, emphasizing its unique approach to economic growth, environmental challenges, and foreign policy resilience.

Keywords: ASEAN, Indonesia, US - China relations, multipolarity, Asia - Pacific security