Balancing Power in the Asia-Pacific Region: The Role of Indonesia 2010-2014

Abstract

The twenty first century has been dubbed as the Asian century, indeed the epicentrum of global power now has firmly shifted to the Asia Pacific region. International relations dynamic in this region is very lively with all major powers directly involved. Two of these powers are the United States and the People's Republic of China. US has been the resident dominant power in the region effectively since the end of World War II. US domination in this region is recognized as a key factor in the ability of this region to remain peaceful and stable even at the height of the Cold War. Other powers in the region whether they are middle, small and emerging are somewhat accustomed in having US as guarantor of stability in the region. Come China that has been awaken from its slumber, is confidently reclaiming its ancient place as global power. The rising power of China has put it in direct competition with US for domination in the region. Against this backdrop of power transition in the region, this study will seek the balancing that Indonesia has undertaken as one of the middle power in the region. Indonesia has a direct interest in ensuring that peace and stability are preserved in Asia Pacific region. The study argued that Indonesia has the capacity and ability to play a facilitating role in balancing between the US and China in the region.