Marty Natalegawa: The nation must be self-reliant amid geopolitical rivalries

Jakarta — The Indonesian Foreign Minister for the period 2009-2014, Marty Natalegawa, emphasised the importance of maintaining independence and an active role for nations amid rising geopolitical rivalry on a global scale and in a multipolar world, including through strengthening ASEAN. In a speech titled “Navigating the Reefs in a Multipolar World” during the Lecture Series and Award Ceremony in Dili, Timor-Leste, on Monday 18 May, Marty said that countries are not enough to simply remain neutral amid the competition among great powers. ‘In a world characterised by shifting and enduring dynamics of power, it may not be enough for states to merely declare neutrality,’ Marty said in a written statement received on Tuesday. He argued that passive neutrality risks causing a state to lose relevance amid global dynamism. However, the senior diplomat reminded that countries should not merely hitch themselves to great powers in search of geopolitical protection. In seeking to avoid hostility with powerful states, a country must not simply follow the crowd, he said. Marty noted that such a move could make a nation’s interests easily influenced by the powerful country, including domestic political dynamics. ‘Thus, a nation’s interests become vulnerable to the wishes of those with strength, including domestic political uncertainty, as well as loss of autonomy,’ he said. He said Indonesia has chosen not to join competing geopolitical blocs, but remains actively contributing to addressing various global challenges. Marty also stressed the importance of multilateralism and inclusive dialogue through ASEAN to maintain regional stability amid rising global uncertainty. He added that Timor-Leste joining ASEAN will further strengthen peace, stability, and prosperity in the Southeast Asian region. ‘With Timor-Leste joining ASEAN, and assuming the chair in 2029, our region’s peace, stability, and prosperity will be strengthened markedly,’ he said. He assessed that ASEAN has so far proven that cooperation and inclusion can create a more stable and prosperous region. The speech was delivered by Marty before Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta and a number of invited guests during the Lecture Series and Award Ceremony in Dili on 19 May 2026, where he received an award from the Timor-Leste government. He said the award was a recognition of many dedicated individuals whose service is valuable in strengthening ties between Timor-Leste and Indonesia.