Korea's role critical to stabilizing Indo-Pacific region
Christian Pradipta Andrea Putra
As the June 3 presidential election approaches, many are wondering what direction Korea's Indo-Pacific strategy will take under a new administration. Will it shift or remain on the same course?
In a world that is becoming less hospitable, almost everyone hopes for stability, especially if it means preserving values.
The latest escalation in the Kashmir region is a vivid reminder of how conflict can erupt. Prolonged armed conflicts have triggered millions of casualties and forced even more to flee their homes. According to the UNHCR, last year 122.6 million people were forced to flee their homes, or 1 in every 67 people.
Efforts to address myriad and persistent global challenges are being held back by the global economic slowdown. According to the World Bank in 2022, the fight against global poverty faced a major setback as the poverty rate increased for the first time after decades of decline.
In the meantime, commitments and statements made at various summits have yet to translate into sufficient action to address climate change. Just in 2024, as reported by the World Meteorological Organization, global temperatures, greenhouse gases and sea levels all reached new historic highs.
These challenges are mounting at a time when the frameworks and mechanisms created to tackle global issues are being undermined. Multilateralism and the rule-based order have been displaced by transactional approaches, foregoing shared global values in the name of self-interest.
Home to many of the world's major military powers, two-thirds of the global economy and 65 percent of the world population, the Indo-Pacific region is not immune to these global challenges. Any heightened confrontation or miscalculation in the region's hotspots might risk far-reaching consequences.
Recent upheavals in tariff policies have further complicated the situation as many countries in the region are export-led economies that, for decades, have been the beneficiaries of globalization. One must recognize that tariffs extend beyond mere figures. Tariffs speak volumes about the decrease in production, layoffs of laborers and fragmentation of relationships.
At the same time, the region is facing the dire consequences of climate change. Communities in archipelagic and island countries are facing direct threats to their survival due to rising sea levels, while many places are now experiencing rampant wildfires driven by warmer temperatures.
Given these challenges and recognizing its unique and strategic geopolitical position, a top priority of Korea's next administration must be ensuring a thriving and stable environment.
This is a pivotal moment for Korea to realize its Indo-Pacific strategy and contribute to shaping a free, peaceful and prosperous region. This strategy must embody the values of trust, inclusiveness, and cooperation based on the spirit of multilateralism, dialogue and the rule of law — values that are desperately needed in the region in the face of uncertainty.
A stable regional architecture must be founded on the rule of law, underpinned by international laws and shared norms to guide engagement in the region. These are the pillars to maintain peace and security and to ensure even the least economically and militarily capable country can uphold its sovereignty and participate on equal terms.
Unilateral and transactional approaches must be avoided as they will only lead to wider inequality while promoting a delusional idea of winning. A more stable multilateralism is in the interest of many, if not all, countries in the region, as it offers a way forward to find shared solutions to challenges that recognize no borders.
There will be disagreements, misunderstandings and grey areas. This is why fostering a culture of dialogue in the region is essential for lasting peace and security. Dialogue must serve as the primary tool to resolve disagreements and build mutual understanding.
Korea can further advance these values and principles through its various engagements and partnerships in the region, including with ASEAN, which plays a distinct role in reinvigorating multilateralism and shaping regional architecture based on trust and cooperation.
Finally, to thrive, it is paramount that the region escapes the binary of competition between major powers. Achieving this will require regional partnerships to move past rhetoric towards meaningful and concrete implementation. It is the starting point for building confidence, trust and creating an environment that nurtures cooperation instead of tension.
Building inclusive resilience must be a central theme in regional cooperation and partnerships, achieved through the empowerment of the Global South. This will strengthen the region from within and eventually address the vulnerable supply chain. Stronger cooperation and diversification of trade must be forged through trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership free trade agreement.
It is also high time to address the region's "grey rhino" of climate change before it causes further havoc and damage to humanity. Climate mitigation must be accompanied by climate adaptations, bolstering communities' resilience to withstand climate-related risks. Partnerships must be aligned with efforts to invest in climate actions.
Korea must now recognize its role as a nation well-equipped with economic power, military capability, soft power and technological prowess. Through its Indo-Pacific strategy and collaboration with partners in the region, Korea has the potential to be a driving force navigating the region through these turbulent times.
Christian Pradipta Andrea Putra is an Indonesian diplomat currently serving at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Seoul. He has been part of the Indonesian Diplomatic Corps since 2011, with prior experience at the Indonesian Mission in Geneva, where he was assigned to handle development, technology and human rights issues. The views expressed in this article are his own and do not necessarily reflect the view of his employer.