Publication

This paper discusses Washington's need to prioritize the strategic relationship between the US and Indonesia in the 21st century. The author lists the following reasons: 1) markets and geopolitics will revolve around the maritime domain, and Indonesia is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Rim; and 2) the Indonesian archipelago’s maritime trade routes and its position near the volatile South China Sea ensure Jakarta’s role will be center stage for any geopolitical challenge in Southeast Asia. This is why Washington should build a US-Indonesian relationship that underpins international trade and stability in the region, and it should do so before crisis in the South China Sea necessitates hasty action.