TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Founder and Chairperson of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), Dino Patti Djalal, reminded the Indonesian government to maintain cooperation with the United States (US) without losing its foreign policy independence. He emphasized the importance of reducing political, economic, and security dependence on the US amid increasingly uncertain global geopolitical dynamics.
Dino delivered this warning during a discussion entitled "Outlook on Geopolitical Trends & Indonesian Foreign Policy in 2026" at the FPCI Secretariat in Jakarta on Monday, January 19, 2026.
According to him, the United States' position as a superpower means the impact of its foreign policy extends far beyond a single term. "With the US as a superpower, we still have to face three more years like this. And three years of US foreign policy can have an impact that lasts for decades," Dino said.
Foreign Policy Pressure
Dino believes that the direction of United States foreign policy demonstrates imperialist tendencies, especially under President Donald Trump. He associates imperialism with the practice of subjugation and unequal relations.
"When you talk about imperialism, you're talking about territorial conquest, aggressive resource grabbing, and unequal relations with other countries," he said.
The former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono added that this pattern is often accompanied by coercion and intimidation of other countries, including a disregard for international law.
Dino said that even President Trump himself acknowledged this tendency. "He doesn't really respect international law," Dino said.
Saying 'No' in Indonesian Diplomacy
Nevertheless, Dino reminded that Indonesia has long experience facing pressure from the United States. In the history of diplomacy, Indonesia has not always followed Washington's wishes. "In the history of Indonesian diplomacy, we have often been pressured by the United States and have always been able to maintain our position," he said.
He cited Indonesia's stance against the United States' invasion of Iraq as an example. According to Dino, this decision was not easy, but it demonstrated Indonesia's ability to uphold its foreign policy principles.
"We have said no, for example, during the American invasion of Iraq. It wasn't easy, but we did it," he said.
The courage to say no, according to Dino, is an important foundation for maintaining national sovereignty and dignity. "Never hesitate or be afraid to say no to anyone," he said. Dino also highlighted the near-complete trade and tariff negotiations between Indonesia and the United States.
He emphasized that the agreement must truly reflect the principle of equality and not place Indonesia in a subservient position. "What worries me about American foreign policy is that they don't care about equality," Dino said.
Dino explained that trade agreements must provide real benefits for Indonesia and maintain its national bargaining position. He emphasized that a firm stance is nothing new in his diplomatic career. Dino admitted to having said no to the United States many times. "Our responsibility is to history, not to President Trump," he said.
Maintain Relations, Reduce Exposure
Despite his criticism, Dino emphasized that Indonesia does not need to sever ties with the United States. "That doesn't mean we're ending our relationship with the United States," he added.
He believes that good relations should still be maintained, as long as they are two-way and equal, as Indonesia maintains with other major countries such as China, Russia, India, and Japan.
However, he reminded the government to reduce political and economic exposure, especially if relations are built on political pressure. He also urged caution in security cooperation amid the growing tendencies of macho nationalism and macho internationalism in United States policy. "If you disagree with America, you will be repaid," Dino said.
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