JAKARTA: Indonesia’s diplomatic corps is entering a new era of being led by a political figure appointed by President Prabowo Subianto (pic), which analysts say indicates a more hands-on approach to the country’s foreign policy that may create a cultural shift within the Foreign Ministry and in its dealings with the world.
After being sworn into office on Sunday (Oct 20), Prabowo did not wait long to announce his cabinet lineup, unveiling in the evening his 48 ministers who are a mix of old hands, as well as a crop of fresh faces.
Among these newcomers is Sugiono, who has been appointed to lead the Foreign Ministry, despite not having a formal diplomatic background.
Born in Aceh, Sugiono received most of his education from military institutions, briefly rising through the ranks of the Army before quitting and entering politics in 2004 as Prabowo’s personal assistant.
Sugiono’s last public position was a House of Representatives lawmaker, appointed as deputy chair of Commission I overseeing foreign affairs, defense and information.
Prabowo has previously expressed his liking for Sugiono, whose profile on the Gerindra Party’s website touted him as “a bright young man within Prabowo’s innermost circle”.
He is also frequently referred to as “Prabowo’s ideological son”.
Three deputy ministers have been selected to aid Sugiono, unprecedented for the Foreign Ministry: two seasoned diplomats, namely former ambassador to Germany Arif Havas Oegroseno and former permanent representative to the United Nations Arrmanatha Nasir, as well as Gelora Party chair Anis Matta.
With nearly 40 years of experience and a perceived specialty for the European region, Havas is a senior diplomat who was touted as a possible foreign minister in 2014 before then-president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo picked Retno LP Marsudi.
Meanwhile, Arrmantha is widely regarded as a rising star in diplomatic circles, having served as the ministry’s spokesperson and appointed to the UN post in 2021.
Anis is a seasoned politician, once serving as president of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) between 2013 and 2015.
Analysts previously suggested that Prabowo’s notable interest in foreign policy was likely to change the face of Indonesian diplomacy into a more assertive one. Many predicted that the President would be keen on taking on the role of “de facto foreign minister”.
Such an approach would be a significant shift from his predecessor Jokowi, who paid little attention to non-economic diplomacy and gave the Foreign Ministry more autonomy and consultative power in helping Indonesia navigate the prevailing geopolitical landscape.
Some experts believe that the new leadership structure at the foreign ministry could indicate Prabowo’s diplomatic priorities. Anis is known for years in Muslim politics, deemed a good fit for diplomacy in the Middle East, especially amid the ongoing Palestine-Israel war.
Havas’ experience in lobbying European countries, combined with Arrmanatha’s familiarity with the United States and UN, could also be strategic assets for Prabowo.
Yet, others have pointed out that the new arrangement will also mean a more top-down, order-heavy Foreign Ministry, where career diplomats may be given less autonomy and consultative powers to decide on the country’s international politics.
Prabowo picking his aide Sugiono could indicate a ministerial role that will mostly be an extension of the President’s orders, said international relations expert Radityo Dharmaputra of Airlangga University.
“Meanwhile, the two professional deputy ministers will likely act as a bridge between the political leaders and career diplomats, to make sure that things will get done,” he said.
During Jokowi’s presidency, he would frequently consult with the Foreign Ministry, including before issuing statements. But analysts are skeptical that his successor will place such professional advice ahead of his own visions.
“The ministry will likely have less influence in policy making and mostly rely on presidential orders. Prabowo will be very hands-on,” said Ahmad Rizky M. Umar of Aberystwyth University.
While the appointments may indicate Prabowo’s foreign policy approach, analysts believe that his goals remain largely unclear, given that he has yet to take a firm stance on several key issues.
“Several strategic diplomatic posts, including the ambassadorial post in Washington, remain empty. Prabowo has also not yet made any definitive stance on the South China Sea, the US-China rivalry and some other key issues,” Airlangga University’s Radiyo pointed out.
Despite the unclear position, Sugiono took no time to rest after his inauguration, making his first international appearance as Indonesia’s new foreign minister at the BRICS Summit in Russia.
At that event, Sugiono pledged Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to playing an active international role, especially in regard to issues of the Global South, according to the ministry’s statement on Tuesday.
Aside from the summit, Sugiono is also slated to conduct a series of bilateral meetings. The statement made at BRICS was in line with Prabowo’s instructions to Sugiono as foreign minister: “uphold the tradition and constitutional [mandate] of a free and active foreign policy.”
“We want to be a good friend and neighbor to everyone," Sugiono said.
“For now, the President has instructed us to maintain a good line of communication with all of our neighbours.” - The Jakarta Post/ANN
