Indonesia as a Regional Power

At the epicentre of the Indo-Pacific region lies Indonesia – the largest archipelagic state in the world, the fourth most populous country in the world, the fifth largest (in Asia) and ninth largest (in the world) economy in PPP terms, a leading power in Southeast Asia and an important civilizational, moderate and democratic force in the world. During the past fifteen years, Indonesia has transitioned from an authoritarian regime to the third largest democracy and the largest Muslim democracy in the world. The country has gained various labels during the last five years – a country with ‘great power aspirations,’ a ‘maritime power,’ ‘Asia’s third Giant,’ ‘a reluctant giant,’ ‘a rising power,’ ‘a global swing state,’ ‘one of Asia’s leading powers,’ ‘an emerging democratic power,’ ‘a regional pivot,’ ‘the next China,’ a new Asian powerhouse’ and probably ‘the world’s first Muslim and democratic superpower.’ ¹ These expressions highlight a changing character of the global discourse on Indonesia and the country’s growing significance in the regional and global order.