Indonesia’s general election streak in 2024 is approaching, but the global security situation appears to be deteriorating. Global challenges loom on the horizon, and they are inextricably linked to Indonesia’s fate.

In Europe, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia is still ongoing. Apart from historical reasons, Russia’s preoccupation with Ukraine’s position to join NATO was a unique element in triggering the war. Now Ukraine’s position is being surrounded by Russian armed forces, and the conflict has raised the prospect of a global food crisis.

The countries are tense because of the conflict. Russia is at odds not only with the United States, which provides logistical and military assistance to Ukraine, but also with the European Union, which suffers from it. This type of connection should last a long time.

A comparable situation exists throughout Asia. The South China Sea conflict, claimed by many countries including China, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam, illustrates the tensions in Asian relations.

This area, rich in marine resources, has exceptional economic potential in addition to its strategic position. The sea is estimated to contain 11 billion barrels of untapped oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves.

China claims historical possession of the South China Sea. The argument is based on ancient Chinese history, from the Han dynasty in the 2nd century BC to the Ming and Qing dynasties in the 13th century BC. Then, in 1947, China strengthened its claim by drawing a map of the South China Sea with nine dotted lines and declaring the Spartly and Paracel Islands as its property.

Meanwhile, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam generally base the South China Sea on Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) laws. China seems to be aggressive. In addition to claiming 80-90% sovereignty over the South China Sea, the government is strengthening its defenses.

China builds military installations, builds artificial islands and deploys warships in these territorial waterways. Outside the South China Sea, China is in conflict with Taiwan, which is backed by the United States. The usually frosty relationship between the two countries has gradually relaxed.

According to Tempo, Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe said on June 13, 2022, “If anyone tries to separate Taiwan from China, we will not hesitate to retaliate. We will fight at all costs, and we will fight until the end. This is China’s only choice.

This issue has also heightened tensions between China and the United States. The US-China relationship, which had improved after the defeat of President Trump, had to be revived following the Taiwan issue.

Beyond the possibility of war, the Covid-19 epidemic, which has been raging for at least two years, has revived. Despite vaccinations, new variations continue to emerge, requiring care wherever we go.

The world is full of uncertainties. The prospect of war, economics and disease heightens our concern for the future of the world.

And Indonesia?

When it comes to dealing with global issues, Indonesia seems to be ready. Prabowo Subianto, Minister of Defence, proposes a defense equipment modernization program to boost defence.

Later, the Indonesian government ordered 42 French Rafale fighter jets. The budget of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) has also been increased to Rs 32 trillion for modernization of military equipment.

Prabowo said he aims to improve the defense. “We will defend the country by all means at its disposal,” Prabowo announced in a statement (06/11/2022) (Antara).

However, ahead of the general election, party insiders continue to go on political safaris in preparation for 2024. They are looking for their own compatibility efforts, while considering eligibility, to prepare the next presidential and presidential candidates. vice-presidency to win the elections. While these acts are lawful, they do not reflect the intelligent approach of the political elite to reacting to the global threats that lie ahead.

The question is, what kind of leader does Indonesia need now and in the future to face global threats? Thucydides, a Greek historian, once said, “The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.”

Thucydides’ remark appears essential in the contemporary situation since it relates to the realities of international relations. It is a fact that a strong country would defeat a weak country despite all its claims to truth.

With all its might, the United States can influence the world through military alliances and soft power. He can even direct the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine and believe that Russia is evil.

China has the economic and military capability to affect Asian countries. By its power, this country can claim the South China Sea and even threaten Taiwan for various reasons.

Consequently, Indonesia must continue to work towards becoming a great power, particularly in the areas of defense and security. Indonesia should not be dictated by outsiders and should retain sovereignty over itself.

On the other hand, Indonesia has a free and active political principle, a political principle independent of the “Western” and “Eastern” blocs but committed to achieving world peace. And history shows that Indonesia has adhered to these foreign policy standards for decades. A political idea that cannot be abandoned due to the historical legacy of the founding fathers.

Accordingly, Indonesia must become a powerful country in defense and security. This force, however, is not used to subjugate other countries, but to preserve and maintain world peace.

If executed, I believe Indonesia will be recognized by other countries. This is because Indonesia is strong not because it colonizes and controls other nations, but because it has strong defense and security and aggressively reconciles all sides.

Despite the criticism directed at him, Prabowo’s efforts seem to have begun to lead the country towards a strong entity. So if the predicted Indonesian leader is needed in the 2024 general election, the solution is a leader who knows global geopolitical realities, national defense and security, and diplomacy with other nations.

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