Muhammad Fakhruddin, Jakarta – As the presidential candidates prepare for the upcoming debate, Indonesia's 6th President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), sheds light on the potential effects of the 2024 presidential election on the geopolitical and security landscape in Asia.
SBY points out three important presidential elections are set for 2024: Indonesia's in February, Taiwan's in January, and the United States' in November. These elections are expected to have a big impact on the region.
"The upcoming presidential election in Indonesia, scheduled for February 2024, holds crucial significance in the context of Asia's geopolitics and security," he tweeted on his X account @SBYudhoyono on Sunday.
SBY underscores Indonesia's role as the largest country in Southeast Asia and a member of the G-20, positioning it as a regional power and a global player. He highlights the importance of the next Indonesian president understanding the need to maintain stability in both East and Southeast Asia, enabling them to engage in intelligent foreign policy and diplomacy.
"The future president, by fostering collaboration within ASEAN nations, can contribute to finding peaceful solutions to any conflicts arising in East and Southeast Asia. This approach prevents disasters in the Asian region and beyond, safeguarding international peace and security," SBY said.
SBY also highlights two significant presidential elections with implications for Asia's geopolitics and security. Recognizing the global significance of Taiwan's status, he underscores its influence on the region's security, especially amid the escalating tensions between China and Taiwan.
"If the new president of Taiwan adopts a hardline stance and is highly anti-China, tensions between China and Taiwan will intensify," warns SBY.
Additionally, SBY points out that the outcome of the US presidential election this year can significantly impact East Asia, especially if the new president takes a tough stance against the unification of China and Taiwan. This scenario could turn East Asia into a potential flashpoint, with geopolitical and security repercussions.
Conversely, SBY suggests that if both the US president and the new president of Taiwan adopt moderate positions and are open to negotiations, global concerns about the possibility of open military conflicts in East Asia could decrease.
The third debate for the 2024 Presidential Election, featuring candidates Anies Baswedan, Prabowo Subianto, and Ganjar Pranowo, will focus on defense, security, international relations, globalization, geopolitics, and foreign policy. The debate is set to take place at Istora Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Sunday.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/sby-warns-of-regional-security-risks-from-2024-election