Indonesia and Indian Ocean in the wake of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

Abstract

Indonesia is currently chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), a 21-member organization which includes Australia, South Africa and India. IORA has assumed greater significance for Indonesia following the announcement of President Jokowi's Poros Maritim Dunia or 'Maritime Fulcrum'. Indonesia is an archipelagic state that geopolitically connects the Indian and Pacific Oceans the United Nations' sea lines of communication convention that underline the importance of the Indian Ocean. IORA has existed for almost 20 years, but its diverse membership has meant that regional initiatives have been slow to implement. In this situation, Indonesia is seeking to use its chairmanship to make IORA more active and dynamic in responding to regional strategic issues and economic opportunities. The growth of major powers in the region is one such challenge for IORA. In this seminar, Riefqi will discuss the role and prospects for IORA and Indonesia's plans as Association chair. Show more