Prabowo’s Pivot: China-Indonesia Relations After the Election

President-elect Prabowo Subianto's visit to Beijing marks a potential shift in Indonesia's foreign policy towards China, coming at a time of heightened US-China rivalry. Historically critical of Chinese investments, Prabowo's evolving stance includes his handling of incidents like the Natuna Sea encroachment and his recent acceptance of China's invitation. This move reflects a pragmatic recognition of China's role as a major trading partner and investor in Indonesia. However, balancing US and Chinese interests presents strategic challenges for Indonesia. Prabowo's complex political background, including allegations from the 1998 riots and his evolving political image, adds layers to his approach. Unlike the Philippines' tilt towards the US, Indonesia under Prabowo seems poised to continue a non-aligned, pragmatic foreign policy. This visit to Beijing, alongside diplomatic engagements with Tokyo, suggests a pre-balancing act to navigate regional complexities. Prabowo's diplomatic maneuvers will significantly shape Indonesia's regional standing and foreign policy trajectory amidst global power shifts.