Indonesia Waltz Above The Tense: Embracing US and China
Summary
- Indonesia has recently established comprehensive strategic partnerships with Japan and the United States. This mirrors a decade-old pact with China that has positioned the country as a crucial ally in Indonesia's national strategic projects.
- The enhanced partnerships between Indonesia and Japan, as well as Indonesia and the U.S., strategically center around crucial sectors. These include energy transitions including minerals processing for next-gen automobiles; medical industries; digital advancements; and defense.
- Although specific action plans for these comprehensive strategic partnerships are still to be discussed, the US, through its joint statement, expresses a determined approach to challenge China's dominance over multiple sectors.
- There is a potential for the US to secure access to other critical minerals beyond existing engagements. The US Department of Energy identifies several critical materials with high supply risk, including cobalt, gallium, graphite, magnesium, and nickel.