Carlosa
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Indonesia is a leader because we are the country that often ask to "lead." Like to mediate in Thai-Cambodia border dispute. Or the most famous one is when we have to conduct shuttle diplomacy after the Cambodian fiasco of 2011 just to have Code of Conduct. Or the more recent one like now for example:
Joko Widodo says Indonesia ready to mediate in South China Sea disputes: report - Australia Network News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
It was to Jakarta that many looked to put ASEAN back together again after the falling out over the South China Sea, with a code of conduct to be observed by all parties in the dispute being pushed by Indonesia and supported by the US, amongst others. Active Indonesian mediation in the dispute is therefore widely seen as vital, with this conferring new responsibilities on Jakarta. The years ahead then will be ones in which Indonesia may have to quickly grow accustomed to a new international influence and a new role – both as a champion of ASEAN and as a force for moderation and diplomacy in the face of at-times heated disputes.
Heavyweight: The nation’s growing role as an international mediator | Indonesia 2013 | Oxford Business Group
No country in ASEAN even Singapore have such political clout the like of Indonesia.
I'm not convinced about that, those are small steps. I also read articles saying that Indonesia didn't care about ASEAN and it was actually even thinking about leaving and going its own way.
As I said before, Jokowi is the one man that can change Indonesia for the better and possibly make it a leader, he just got started, lets see. When I see consistent results in the important issues, then I'll be happy to agree with you, but show me the beef first.
Also, in oder to be respected as a leader by the big powers, Indonesia will need to be far more powerful militarily than what it is now and that will take time, but I see a good sign with Jokowi planning to increase defense spending 70%.
INice to see that our diplomats hard work are appreciated.
Nice steps, but you want to step into big shoes my friend, that requires much bigger results.
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