Indonesian Membership in the Indian Ocean Rim Association: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

This article explores the participation of Indonesia as a member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association and investigates the potential opportunities Indonesia could gain from its increasing involvement within Indian Ocean Rim Association. The research for this article was literature-based. The authors obtained data from various available sources and employed a quantitative research structure, as well as utilizing a qualitative analytical methodology. By utilizing a neo-liberal institutional approach as a logical framework for analysis, the authors argue that Indonesia’s membership participation in Indian Ocean Rim Association can boost the chances for gains from being a potential strategic global hub within the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, as well as reaping the potential advantages from a geo-economic dimension of Indian Ocean Rim Association and its member states. This article also found that while Indian Ocean Rim Association might be in line with the vision of the world maritime axis initiated by President Joko Widodo, Indian Ocean Rim Association also presented Jakarta with two challenges: Indian Ocean Rim Association's membership diversity and Indian Ocean Rim Association's loose organizational nature.