Indonesia’s Perspective on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)

The paper argues that Indonesia sees the IPEF as an opportunity to engage with the United States (US) in shaping common rules and standards to support regional stability. At the same time, it wants to ensure that the IPEF agreements align with the country and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) principles, inclusivity and complementarity. While the IPEF is seen as an ‘empty vessel’ that could increase US-China competition in the region and threaten ASEAN centrality and integrity, Indonesia nevertheless expects the IPEF to become a new platform to promote the US’ economic re-engagement in the Indo-Pacific, boost regional competitiveness and standards, and address emerging global issues collaboratively.