The dust has settled in Indonesia, and the rise of the new **Prabowo can be described as thrilling, and what will be the diplomatic route of this ** new star has become the focus of heated discussions from all walks of life. Indonesia, the giant of Southeast Asia, is about to be taken over by Defense Minister Prabowo, raising concerns about changes in the direction of the South China Sea, after all, Indonesia has always been a key force in the wrestling between China and ASEAN.
Prabowo's campaign was a tumultuous one, and he showed unusual confidence in declaring victory even before the votes were counted. As a dark horse in Indonesia, he was the son-in-law of the former Suharto, and he also experienced his years in exile. However, what is most striking is the delicate and complex political relationship between him and the current ** Jokowi.
Indonesia's political situation is unpredictable, but for China, nothing is more interesting than the foreign policy of the new leader. Prabowo said during the election campaign that he would follow Jokowi's diplomatic line, remain neutral, and emphasize cooperation with China. This statement somewhat diluted some of his controversial remarks in the past, especially when it came to the history of Indonesia's anti-Chinese incidents. Although Prabowo has been sanctioned by the United States in the past for this, his political career has gradually picked up with his rise to the post of defense minister.
Prabowo's name may be familiar in Indonesia, as this is his third candidacy. And this time, he cleverly chose Jokowi's eldest son as his running mate, courting Jokowi and adding to his election results. In this political performance, one can't help but think of the similarities between the former Duterte of the Philippines and Marcos Jr. During the Duterte era, he emphasized the continuation of his predecessor's China policy, which eventually succeeded in his election and upset the balance between China and the United States.
Political uncertainty in Indonesia has sparked speculation about the situation in the South China Sea, especially amid the escalating tensions between China and ASEAN. Prabowo's foreign policy will be key, and whether he will continue Jokowi's neutral stance or take a tougher stance on the South China Sea has raised widespread concern.
However, unlike the Philippines, Indonesia is not a military ally of the United States, and there is no mutual defense treaty between the two countries. Indonesia has long advocated a policy of non-alignment, with economic development as its top priority. This gives Indonesia and China a wider range of opportunities for cooperation, involving all aspects that cannot be easily shaken. So even if Prabowo is a military man, he may be more assertive on foreign policy, but it will take time to see if he is the next Philippines.
Overall, Prabowo's rise bears a striking resemblance to Marcos Jr., especially in the electoral campaign's emphasis on inheriting the policies of his predecessor and choosing members of the political family as partners. The trajectory of his success is reminiscent of Marcos Jr.'s victory, but in the complex and volatile international political arena, anything is possible. Where Indonesia is headed, and whether the direction of the South China Sea wind will change, are questions that are currently being closely watched. Let's wait and see how this new ** writes the chapter of Indonesia's diplomacy.