Understanding Indonesia's role in the ‘ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific’: A role theory approach

Abstract

Following other regional powers, Indonesia announced its own interpretation of the Indo-Pacific concept in 2018. Considering Indonesia's strategic position in the Indo-Pacific, does this announcement indicate the prospects of a more active Indonesian role in the region? This article examines Indonesia's national role conception regarding the Indo-Pacific concept. Drawing from the literature on role theory, particularly on role conception and role location, and by analysing foreign policy narratives espoused by dominant actors in the Indo-Pacific region, this article finds Indonesia's articulation of the Indo-Pacific concept as an example of role location within the new Indo-Pacific structure, particularly in locating Indonesia's ‘middle power’ role. Dominant actors in the Indo-Pacific have generally accepted Indonesia's Indo-Pacific concept, which shows that Indonesia has managed to live up to expectations befitting of a middle power through its enactment of ‘regional leader’ and ‘bridge-builder’ roles.