Indonesia Faces Domestic Conflicts, Regional Credibility Crisis

Across Kalimantan and elsewhere, widespread agrarian conflicts have emerged as companies reclaim land traditionally cultivated by farmers, provoking evictions, disputes over compensation, breaches of agreements, failing plasma programs, protests, legal cases, and significant social and environmental harm. The Javanese Primbon tradition remains culturally influential and inspired a feature film (released Aug. 10, 2023; on Netflix Jan. 18, 2024; now on YouTube) that uses folklore and mysticism to probe faith and fear. As President Prabowo Subianto completes his first year, his government has maintained cautious continuity on Taiwan—upholding a one‑China policy while preserving robust informal ties with hundreds of thousands of Indonesian workers and students and pursuing practical economic and technology engagement. Jakarta’s ambition to act as a global bridge‑builder, including possible roles after the Gaza conflict, is being hampered by prolonged crises in Myanmar and renewed Thailand–Cambodia tensions that have tested ASEAN diplomacy. Critics warn the administration’s diplomacy risks favoring soft‑power optics and cultural pageantry over hard strategic outcomes, a shortfall highlighted by recent U.S.‑led mediation successes in Southeast Asia.