Indonesia Warns of Risks in Emerging Indo-Pacific Bilateral Practices

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian diplomats are voicing concern over the growing tendency to blur economic, trade, political, and security interests in new forms of bilateral cooperation across the Indo-Pacific, warning that such practices risk undermining long-standing commitments to rules-based international agreements.

The caution was raised by former Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Soemadi Brotodiningrat, during the FPCI–GRIPS Joint Seminar in Jakarta on Friday. He noted that the proliferation of bilateral arrangements in the region has introduced complex dynamics that could challenge established frameworks.

“With transitional bilateral practices that mix economic and trade interests with political and security objectives, it is crucial for us to carefully examine how these commitments may affect existing agreements,” Soemadi said, as quoted by Antara.

He emphasized that these evolving bilateral mechanisms could weaken the implementation of rules-based agreements, including Indonesia’s strategic partnership with Japan.

“My concern is that the implementation of rules-based agreements may be threatened by new commitments introduced through this type of bilateral system,” he added.

Soemadi pointed out that the Indo-Pacific already hosts a wide range of cooperative schemes, some legally binding and functioning effectively. He cited initiatives such as the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), both of which stress openness, stability, and collaboration.

ASEAN-centered mechanisms also play a vital role, including ASEAN Plus One, Plus Three, and Plus Five, which have long provided platforms for regional dialogue and cooperation.

Reflecting on bilateral ties, Soemadi highlighted how Indonesia and Japan have successfully moved beyond historical conflicts to build a deepening strategic partnership.

“We recognize that strong relations are not only the result of shared interests and values, but also of mutual understanding and acceptance of differences,” he said.

For him, the key to sustaining bilateral relations lies in ensuring that differences do not escalate into disputes. “Most importantly, both sides must remain willing and prepared to prevent differences from developing into contention or seeds of conflict,” Soemadi concluded. ***