Indonesia’s decision to conduct military exercises with China therefore shows political insensitivity that may create an unnecessary provocation in the region. It also raises even more fundamental questions about Indonesia’s foreign policy under President Prabowo Subianto.

The recent developments in the North Natuna Sea are very important, given recent geopolitical shifts that have severely disrupted the global economy. Energy self-reliance has become increasingly vital due to the Hormuz crisis, so how Indonesia deals with the Tuna Block will inevitably send geopolitical signals about its positioning as regards the great powers.

Even without the bombshell Supreme Court decision, there are major problems with the Indonesia-US tariffs agreement.

Indonesia’s strategic location, which includes vitally important international seaways such as the Malacca, Lombok, and the Sunda Straits, is critically important for all navies operating in the Indo-Pacific. This explains why the US is keen for Indonesia to be part of its MRO project expansion in the region.