As being promoted during his campaign, Joko Widodo (“Jokowi’) has been taking inspiration from the nationalist outlook of Sukarno, especially with Trisakti principle that places importance on national pride in its agenda. In his inauguration speech, related to maritime agenda, Jokowi had also cited Sukarno doctrines of cakrawarti samudra, which calls on all Indonesians to be as strong as a sailor that courageously navigate through the ocean. This principle aims to protect Indonesia’s maritime interests from activities such as illegal fishing from foreign vessels and piracy; and promote maritime connectivity and economic equality between Indonesian provinces. Nevertheless, the strong nationalist stance will not prevent Jokowi from projecting Indonesia activism in the Pacific and Indian Ocean.

Several priorities have been set particularly on foreign policy area: increasing activism in solving border disputes in the region, expansion of middle power diplomacy, and building up the Indo-Pacific regional architecture. Under these priorities, maritime will be one of the primary agendas being advanced.

…Emirza Adi Syailendra is a Research Analyst at the Indonesia Programme of the S. Rajaratnamof International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.