RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia should sharpen its foreign policy by embracing a new diplomatic strategy tailored to the rising influence of middle powers, according to Dino Patti Djalal, founder of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI).

Speaking at the Middle Power Conference in Jakarta on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Dino highlighted the shifting global landscape, where countries from both the Global North and South are strengthening ties and shaping the future of international order.

“We clearly see a trend where middle powers are building closer relationships, with bilateral cooperation intensifying,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

The former deputy foreign minister noted that around 20 middle-power nations are now playing increasingly pivotal roles in global affairs. Indonesia, he added, has been actively expanding its diplomatic network over the past two years, strengthening partnerships with countries such as Australia, France, India, South Korea, and Turkey.

Dino argued that Indonesia’s "independent and active” foreign policy would benefit from a clearly defined middle-power strategy. “We are actively engaging the government to encourage the adoption of this approach, which we believe is highly appropriate for Indonesia’s foreign policy,” he explained.

He emphasized that Indonesia must identify its ambitions, assets, and position in the evolving global order, while also determining which middle-power nations to prioritize for coalition-building.

The call reflects a broader trend, as middle powers across both hemispheres increasingly collaborate to influence global governance. ***