Leo Suryadinata
Senior Visiting Fellow, ISEAS - Yusof Ishak InstituteArticles by Leo Suryadinata
Politics
A new foreign minister, but who really calls the shots in Indonesia?
The appointment of a career diplomat has raised hopes of a return to Indonesia’s traditional foreign policy, with renewed emphasis on ASEAN. But Prabowo’s handling of China and the South China Sea raises questions about whether the country can change course while the president remains firmly in charge. ISEAS academic Leo Suryadinata gives his take.
Leo Suryadinata
14 Oct 2026
Politics
Does Prabowo have a new strategy on the South China Sea?
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has sparked debate after implementing several seemingly contradictory policies last year. Does he have a coherent plan for Indonesia? Or is it too early to criticise and evaluate his approach? ISEAS academic Leo Suryadinata tells us more.
Leo Suryadinata
22 Jan 2025
Politics
Has Prabowo changed Indonesia’s stance on the South China Sea?
A joint statement recently issued by the Chinese foreign ministry has caused much consternation among Indonesian observers, who fear that it signals a change in Indonesia’s stance towards territorial claims in the South China Sea. ISEAS academic Leo Suryadinata discusses the possible reasons for the statement, as well as its potential consequences.
Leo Suryadinata
04 Dec 2024
Society
China’s supposed ‘change’ in policy towards Chinese overseas: Nothing to see here
Recent remarks by a senior Chinese leader about Beijing’s position towards foreign nationals of Chinese descent (华人, huaren) appears to show some change in official policy. But Beijing has largely taken a consistent position.
Leo Suryadinata
23 May 2024
Politics
Indonesia's Prabowo solidifying domestic legitimacy with visits to China, Japan and Malaysia
A defence minister's courtesy calls take on a different significance, albeit only slightly, when he will take over as Indonesia's president in a matter of months.
Leo Suryadinata, Siwage Dharma Negara
17 Apr 2024
Society
Will the Confucian religion develop further in Indonesia?
The quiet support of the current administration for the tiny minority of Confucianists in Indonesia, who are mostly ethnic Chinese Indonesians, could speak volumes about not just religious but more worldly concerns.
Leo Suryadinata
09 Apr 2024
Politics
Will the 'China factor' become an election issue in Indonesia?
Indonesia's economic relationship with China is occasionally marred by deadly accidents at Chinese-built and owned industrial sites in the archipelago. Nevertheless, economic cooperation with China is not going to slow down, no matter who wins the election next month.
Leo Suryadinata, Siwage Dharma Negara
19 Jan 2024
Politics
Indonesia's strategic considerations in joining BRICS
Given the intensity of the China-US rivalry and the upcoming presidential election in Indonesia, President Jokowi has seemingly changed his strategy temporarily so as not to be distracted by BRICS issues. However, Jokowi is still determined to make Indonesia a strong country, says ISEAS academic Leo Suryadinata.
Leo Suryadinata
27 Sep 2023
Politics
The Chinese Indonesian vote in the 2024 presidential election
Coming to the end of his second term, Indonesian President Jokowi is still enjoying influence in Indonesian politics, with analysts believing that whoever he endorses will end up the winner in the presidential election in February 2024. How critical will the Chinese Indonesian vote be? ISEAS academic Leo Suryadinata explains.
Leo Suryadinata
03 Aug 2023
Politics
Anti-Chinese comments by former Indonesian Vice-President Jusuf Kalla spark different reactions
Former Indonesian Vice-President Jusuf Kalla claimed that Chinese people control the Indonesian economy, given their involvement in business and trade. Is there anything to back up the statement, or is it a show of racism, intended to stir anti-Chinese sentiment in Indonesia?
Leo Suryadinata
09 Jun 2023
Politics
Indonesia's potential presidential candidates and two superpowers
Washington and Beijing - like Indonesian voters - are getting to know more about Indonesia's prospective presidential candidates. How are each of them likely to move in terms of relations with the US and China, and what support are they likely to get in return?
Leo Suryadinata
25 Apr 2023