Understanding Indonesia's role in the ‘ASEAN Outlook on the Indo‐Pacific’: A role theory approach

Abstract

Abstract Following other regional powers, Indonesia announced its own interpretation of the Indo‐Pacific concept in 2018. Considering Indonesia's strategic position in the Indo‐Pacific, does this announcement indicate the prospects of a more active Indonesian role in the region? This article examines Indonesia's national role conception regarding the Indo‐Pacific concept. Drawing from the literature on role theory, particularly on role conception and role location, and by analysing foreign policy narratives espoused by dominant actors in the Indo‐Pacific region, this article finds Indonesia's articulation of the Indo‐Pacific concept as an example of role location within the new Indo‐Pacific structure, particularly in locating Indonesia's ‘middle power’ role. Dominant actors in the Indo‐Pacific have generally accepted Indonesia's Indo‐Pacific concept, which shows that Indonesia has managed to live up to expectations befitting of a middle power through its enactment of ‘regional leader’ and ‘bridge‐builder’ roles.

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