Continuity and Change in Australia-Indonesia Bilateral Relations After the 2024 Indonesian Presidential Election: A Neoclassical Realist Perspective

Anindya Sekar Kartika, Dr. Atin Prabandari, SIP.,MA(IR)

2026 | Skripsi | Ilmu Hubungan Internasional

This study analyzes the continuity and change in Australia-Indonesia bilateral relations post-2024 Indonesian Presidential Election. This research addresses the question on to what extent do systemic pressures and elite perceptions shape the state of Indonesia-Australia relations after its 2024 presidential election, as well as the current state of global geopolitics and geoeconomics in an attempt to present an updated perspective on the state of the ties between the two countries. Utilizing the theory of neoclassical realism with the concepts of continuity and change and the method of comparative study by focusing on the 2024 as the pinnacle case study, this study finds that Australia remains on engaging positively with Indonesia as proven by its continuous participation on bilateral partnerships, including the CSP Plan of Action 2025-2029, IA-CEPA, DPP 2024-2028, and NCP. Based on the analysis made, this research argues that the bilateral relations between the two is shaped by both the growing competition between the US and China, as well as Australia's positive foreign policy elites perception of the current president of Indonesia. 

This study analyzes the continuity and change in Australia-Indonesia bilateral relations post-2024 Indonesian Presidential Election. This research addresses the question on to what extent do systemic pressures and elite perceptions shape the state of Indonesia-Australia relations after its 2024 presidential election, as well as the current state of global geopolitics and geoeconomics in an attempt to present an updated perspective on the state of the ties between the two countries. Utilizing the theory of neoclassical realism with the concepts of continuity and change and the method of comparative study by focusing on the 2024 as the pinnacle case study, this study finds that Australia remains on engaging positively with Indonesia as proven by its continuous participation on bilateral partnerships, including the CSP Plan of Action 2025-2029, IA-CEPA, DPP 2024-2028, and NCP. Based on the analysis made, this research argues that the bilateral relations between the two is shaped by both the growing competition between the US and China, as well as Australia's positive foreign policy elites perception of the current president of Indonesia. 

Kata Kunci : Australia-Indonesia Relations, Neoclassical Realism, 2024 Indonesian Presidential Election, US-China Competition, Strategic Partnership, Indo-Pacific, Foreign Policy Elites