Jakarta. Indonesia recently highlighted the needed for Asia to strengthen multilateralism and regional cooperation.

Senior minister Airlangga Hartarto made this call at the 2026 Tokyo Conference earlier this week.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida chaired the session alongside Ex-President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

During the discussion, Airlangga highlighted that the current global order is undergoing significant changes, marked by increasing power-based politics, protectionism, and declining trust in the multilateral system. The World Trade Organization (WTO) has also seen limited progress in responding to new issues such as digital trade and global supply chain resilience. Countries are now favoring unilateral or bilateral approaches over multilateralism.

Geopolitical dynamics are now affecting global economic stability as seen in the US-Israel versus Iran conflict. Oil prices have topped $100 per barrel. The conflict has choked off the Strait of Hormuz.

This has prompted Indonesia to speed up the development of domestically sourced energy resources. Indonesia has currently implemented the B40 Biodiesel program and is targeting a B50 program. The government is also promoting the development of bioethanol through the E10 program, which will be accelerated towards E20.

On the renewable energy side, Indonesia is preparing to develop solar power generation capacity of up to 800 gigawatts.

In facing these conditions, Asia is considered to have a crucial role as a balancing force, capable of maintaining global economic stability. The Asian region is projected to contribute around 52% to global gross domestic product (GDP) by 2050.

Airlangga called on Asia to remain committed to the principles of inclusiveness and rules-based multilateralism. Regional cooperation through various frameworks such as ASEAN, regional economic partnerships, and multilateral forums like the G20 is a crucial instrument for strengthening economic integration, increasing connectivity, and maintaining regional stability amidst rivalry between major powers and other regions.

Asia is also encouraged to prevent the fragmentation of the global economy into competing blocs. Instead, the region needs to strengthen trade openness, economic connectivity, and complementary strategic cooperation to foster shared growth.

"President Prabowo Subianto has instructed for Indonesia to be at the center of the global economic stage due to its solid economic performance amidst global uncertainty. Indonesia will also continue to conduct non-aligned diplomacy in navigating this global uncertainty," said Airlangga.

The Indonesian economy is projected to grow around 5.4% in 2026, with inflation remaining under control and a manageable fiscal deficit. Indonesia has also maintained a trade balance surplus for 69 consecutive months.

Jakarta is embracing the so-called "Indonesia Incorporated" approach, namely synergy between the government, the business world, and all stakeholders to strengthen national economic transformation and increase global competitiveness.

"By fostering regional openness and rejecting the zero-sum approach to great power rivalry, the 21st century can truly become the Asian century," Airlangga said.