Researcher Imaridial Olza from the Center for Political and Social Studies at Muhammadiyah University (Uhamka) in Jakarta has reported that Indonesia faces the danger of losing its international standing amid the increasing conflicts between Iran and the United States. Olza explained that the country is experiencing a condition known as the 'strategic vision trap', which means it is not considered a significant player in the global narrative.
During his statements in Jakarta, Olza pointed out that despite Indonesia's substantial economic strength, it does not appear in the global narrative, exposing it to the risk of being overlooked in areas such as investment, diplomacy, and strategic decision-making.
Details of the Situation
In a strategic report issued by Global Trust Intelligence (GTI), Olza confirmed that Indonesia does not suffer from a negative image in the eyes of the international community; rather, it suffers from a complete absence from global discussions. In a world filled with rapid information, countries that do not appear in the global narrative are deemed less important, adversely affecting their ability to attract investments.
Olza clarified that this situation is entirely different from that of Iran, which, despite being involved in significant conflicts, remains present in global discussions. Meanwhile, Indonesia, with a population of over 280 million, is not regarded as a major player in the global narrative.
Background & Context
Historically, Indonesia has been considered one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia; however, its inability to build a strong narrative for itself on the international stage could lead to serious economic repercussions. Olza noted that this situation is not merely a matter of image, but has direct impacts on the economy, such as delays in foreign investments and increased borrowing costs.
Indonesia is also facing economic pressures due to the application of the concept of 'triple pressure' as defined by Keynesian economics, where three main pillars of the economy—labor market, interest rates, and liquidity—are under increasing stress, complicating the situation further.
Impact & Consequences
The absence of Indonesia from the global narrative poses a threat to its economic standing. When a country's reputation and narrative are shaken, it leads to a decline in foreign investments and an increase in borrowing costs, negatively impacting economic growth.
Moreover, the lack of effective communication regarding Indonesia's achievements, such as its success in collecting taxes from the digital economy, may result in missed significant investment opportunities. Indonesia must work to enhance its presence in global discussions to bolster its economic standing.
Regional Significance
As a predominantly Muslim country, Indonesia holds particular importance for the Arab world. Its absence from the global narrative could affect economic and political relations between Arab countries and Indonesia. Furthermore, enhancing Indonesia's standing could contribute to strengthening cooperation among Islamic countries in various fields.
In conclusion, Indonesia must recognize the importance of building a strong narrative for itself on the international stage. Its absence from global discussions could lead to the loss of significant investment opportunities, impacting its economic future.