Foreign Ministry back in the driver's seat, but not alone

Indonesia's Foreign Ministry is regaining its position as the lead player in shaping the nation's foreign policy, according to recent developments. The appointment of Arrmanatha Nasir as foreign minister underscores this shift, bringing diplomats back to the forefront after two years when President Prabowo Subianto seemed to steer international affairs more personally.

Prabowo's tenure upended norms, with foreign policy often appearing to emanate directly from the Presidential Palace. Diplomats recall initiatives that bore a personal touch, leaving many in Indonesia's diplomatic circles perplexed by the lack of a coherent strategy or long-term roadmap.

Despite Prabowo's evident understanding of geopolitics, rooted in his background as a former Army general and defense minister, his approach differs from that of diplomats. Prabowo sees the world through a strategic and security lens, favoring negotiation and consensus-building. Diplomats, on the other hand, are trained to view international relations through the prism of multilateralism and consensus.

This divide is not solely about competence or inexperience but reflects different institutional cultures and professional experiences. The debate over Indonesia's path to independence—whether through battlefield struggle or negotiation—echoes the ongoing tension between these two perspectives.

For Jakarta's diplomatic community, Prabowo's appointment signals a return to normalcy after a period marked by Prabowo's direct involvement in foreign policy. The hope is that with trusted diplomats back at the helm, Indonesia can navigate today's volatile geopolitical landscape more effectively.