The “Indonesia’s Foreign Policy and Grand Strategy in the 21st Century: Rise of an Indo-Pacific Power” book was introduced by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 29.
PhD Vighanshu Shekar (second from left) is the author of the “Indonesia’s Foreign Policy and Grand Strategy in the 21st Century: Rise of an Indo-Pacific Power” book. (Photo: VNA)
Jakarta (VNA) – The “Indonesia’s Foreign Policy and Grand Strategy inthe 21st Century: Rise of an Indo-Pacific Power” book was introducedby the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 29.
Written by PhD Vighanshu Shekar from the American University’s ASEAN StudyCentre, the book focuses on changes in Indonesian foreign policy in the 21st century, with the country seeking to position itself as a great power in theregion.
Thebook is a combination of the neo-classical realism and social identity theoryto reset the country’s foreign policy while emphasising domestic drivers andlimitations in its international behaviours.
There are three main parts in the book: “emerging power” part explaining thechange in Indonesia’s position in the international arena, “status signaling”part explaining multiple facets of international behaviour and “Indo-Pacific”part with a framing of the book.
The author hoped that the readers will understand Indonesia’s foreign policy inthe new context as well as the country’s standpoints on regional andinternational issues.
Shekar said Indonesia is one of the countries playing an important role inpromoting relations among nations in the Indo-Pacific region.-VNA
Indonesian President Joko Widodo held a meeting in Jakarta on May 22 to discuss the establishment of the Joint Command of the anti-terrorism Special Operations (Koopssusgab).
Non-governmental organisations (NGO) on animal protection in Indonesia are applying high technology to combat trafficking of rare and endangered species.
The Indonesian Government is giving priority to the development of human resources in order to prepare them for the fourth Industrial Revolution after focusing on massive infrastructure development.
Indonesia will prioritise ensuring security for the 18th Asian Games (ASIAD 18), the largest sport event in the region, according to the Indonesia Asian Games 2018 Organising Committee (INASGOC).
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
PhD Vighanshu Shekar (second from left) is the author of the “Indonesia’s Foreign Policy and Grand Strategy in the 21st Century: Rise of an Indo-Pacific Power” book. (Photo: VNA) 
