Washington is barely paying attention to Indonesia

Indonesia, the world's fourth-most populous country, is being largely ignored by the United States, according to an analysis that warns this could push Jakarta closer to China and Russia. Writing in The Diplomat, Alexander R. Arifianto quotes a diplomat saying Indonesia is "simply not featured prominently" in Washington's thinking about the region.

The signs of neglect are concrete. The United States has had no ambassador in Jakarta since April 2025, and cuts to State Department and Pentagon staff have wiped out much of the remaining expertise on Indonesia in Washington. Indonesia's own choice for ambassador to the US was criticised at home as picked more for loyalty than skill. A long-planned Indonesian purchase of 24 Boeing F-15EX fighter jets remains uncertain, with Boeing saying no contract exists.

The risk, the author argues, is drift. As Washington looks away, Indonesia has been signing more economic and defence deals with China and Russia. Nothing dramatic has broken the relationship, but a slow slide could leave the two countries further apart, with Indonesia leaning toward powers the US sees as rivals.

Why it matters

Where Indonesia sits between the United States and China shapes its trade, its security, and the prices and jobs that flow from both. Drifting from Washington could open doors to Beijing and Moscow, with long-term effects on the economy. Watch whether the US sends an ambassador and re-engages, or whether Indonesia keeps deepening ties elsewhere.