There is much talk today about Indonesia’s rise and aspirations to regional leadership as a middle power. Supporters of this proposition often cite a raft of facts and statistics to validate this claim: Indonesia’s impressive economic growth rates in recent years (averaging 6 percent) relative to other Asian countries, its young population and vibrant democracy, its size and enormous natural resources, etc. These are necessary conditions for regional leadership; yet on their own, they are insufficient. Leadership in international affairs is not just about sitting at the table, nor is it solely about brandishing a country’s potential; it is about what an aspiring power can bring to the table, what sort of following it can muster, and how it can contribute to and promote peace and stability.

Read full article at www.theasanforum.org.