Strategic hedging in Indonesia's defense diplomacy. Issue 4 (1st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gindarsah, Iis
• Is Part Of: Defense and security analysis. Volume 32:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 336
• Page End: 353
• Publication Date: 2016-10-01
• Subjects: Hedging -- defense diplomacy -- strategic engagement -- military modernization -- Indonesia; Military art and science -- Periodicals; Armed Forces -- Periodicals; Military policy -- Periodicals; National security -- Periodicals; World politics -- Periodicals; 355
• DOI: 10.1080/14751798.2016.1233695
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1475-1798

Abstract

ABSTRACT: With the rapid pace of regional arms modernization and unresolved territorial disputes, Indonesia is increasingly susceptible to the impact of emerging great power rivalry in Asia-Pacific. Rather than pursuing a robust military build-up, Indonesian policy-makers assert that diplomacy is the country's first line of defense. This article argues that defense diplomacy serves two agenda of Indonesia's hedging strategy – strategic engagement and military modernization. This way, Indonesian defense and security officials seek to moderate the impact of geopolitical changes while maintaining the country's defensive ability against regional uncertainties.