West Pacific Forum Delayed, Tracing Indonesia’s Pacific Legacy
Indonesia’s bold vision to establish the West Pacific Forum remains in limbo, stalled amid the complexities of regional politics. The initiative, proposed by former President Abdurrahman Wahid, aimed to create a new platform for cooperation among nations in the western Pacific. Unlike ASEAN, which focuses primarily on Southeast Asia, the West Pacific Forum was envisioned to include Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines—and even extend to East Timor and Papua New Guinea.
However, according to The Sunday Times, transcripts from the ASEAN informal summit revealed Wahid’s disappointment at the lack of support from ASEAN, including close neighbors like Singapore. The proposal, though ambitious, failed to gain traction within the existing regional framework, reflecting the challenge of expanding diplomacy beyond established norms.
The West Pacific Forum was not just a political strategy. It was a reflection of Indonesia’s desire to reconnect with its historical roots in the Pacific. As the world’s largest archipelagic state, Indonesia’s maritime identity naturally links it with the broader Pacific region—an identity shaped long before modern borders were drawn.
In centuries past, great Indonesian kingdoms like Srivijaya, Majapahit, and the Sultanate of Tidore had expansive maritime networks reaching deep into the Pacific. The sea was not a divider but a bridge, connecting cultures, economies, and traditions across the archipelago and beyond. Traces of Indonesian influence can still be found in the languages and customs of Melanesian islands.
Wahid’s vision of the West Pacific Forum sought to revive this forgotten legacy—reaffirming Indonesia's maritime role while fostering solidarity with neighboring Pacific nations. The forum was not merely about economics or politics, but about rebuilding a sense of regional identity rooted in shared history and cultural affinity.
Yet, modern geopolitics often resists such historical romanticism. ASEAN's tightly knit structure, along with the sensitive political issues surrounding Papua and Timor Leste, made it difficult for member states to embrace a new regional initiative that could alter the status quo. National interests and diplomatic caution prevailed over broader historical aspirations.
Wahid’s disappointment, as reported, reflects a larger issue—Southeast Asia’s hesitation to redefine regionalism beyond ASEAN. The reluctance to expand the circle mirrors a fear of diluting influence, despite the potential benefits of wider cooperation across the Pacific arc.
Nevertheless, the delayed West Pacific Forum should not be seen as a failure, but rather as a vision awaiting its time. Many transformative ideas in history began with resistance and skepticism. Over time, as geopolitical dynamics evolve, such proposals often find new relevance and urgency.
Indonesia must continue nurturing ideas of regionalism that draw from both geographical logic and historical memory. The West Pacific Forum represents more than diplomatic realignment—it is a platform to rekindle regional awareness and unity that once flourished before colonial divides reshaped the map.
Today, the Pacific region is becoming increasingly strategic in global affairs, especially amid growing tensions among major powers. In this shifting landscape, Indonesia has a unique opportunity to serve as a bridge and stabilizing force—connecting Southeast Asia with the Pacific, not just geographically, but diplomatically and culturally.
The delay of the forum underscores how challenging it is to forge new multilateral structures. Still, the idea remains valuable. Indonesia should explore smaller-scale initiatives—such as cultural dialogues, academic exchanges, and joint maritime research—as a foundation for the eventual formation of a larger forum.
Such efforts would build trust and familiarity among nations of the western Pacific, making a future forum more feasible and mutually beneficial. Small steps can gradually shape a larger vision, and when the moment is right, the forum can emerge as a key player in the region’s strategic architecture.
More than a geopolitical tool, the West Pacific Forum could serve as a symbol of Indonesia's renewed maritime identity. It is a manifestation of the nation’s historical role as a seafaring civilization, linking diverse peoples and cultures across the ocean.
Rather than being confined to ASEAN’s framework, Indonesia can reclaim its role as a Pacific nation—a country whose influence and heritage stretch far beyond its current diplomatic borders. That spirit is embedded in the story of its past, and it can shape its future.
While the forum may currently be shelved, the vision behind it remains powerful. Indonesia must continue to advocate for a broader regional identity, one that embraces historical ties and navigates modern realities.
West Pacific Forum represents a future rooted in the past. It is a call for Indonesia to rediscover its maritime soul and assert its place not just as a
Indonesia must continue nurturing ideas of regionalism that draw from both geographical logic and historical memory. The West Pacific Forum represents more than diplomatic realignment—it is a platform to rekindle regional awareness and unity that once flourished before colonial divides reshaped the map.
Today, the Pacific region is becoming increasingly strategic in global affairs, especially amid growing tensions among major powers. In this shifting landscape, Indonesia has a unique opportunity to serve as a bridge and stabilizing force—connecting Southeast Asia with the Pacific, not just geographically, but diplomatically and culturally.
The delay of the forum underscores how challenging it is to forge new multilateral structures. Still, the idea remains valuable. Indonesia should explore smaller-scale initiatives—such as cultural dialogues, academic exchanges, and joint maritime research—as a foundation for the eventual formation of a larger forum.
Such efforts would build trust and familiarity among nations of the western Pacific, making a future forum more feasible and mutually beneficial. Small steps can gradually shape a larger vision, and when the moment is right, the forum can emerge as a key player in the region’s strategic architecture.
More than a geopolitical tool, the West Pacific Forum could serve as a symbol of Indonesia's renewed maritime identity. It is a manifestation of the nation’s historical role as a seafaring civilization, linking diverse peoples and cultures across the ocean.
Rather than being confined to ASEAN’s framework, Indonesia can reclaim its role as a Pacific nation—a country whose influence and heritage stretch far beyond its current diplomatic borders. That spirit is embedded in the story of its past, and it can shape its future.
While the forum may currently be shelved, the vision behind it remains powerful. Indonesia must continue to advocate for a broader regional identity, one that embraces historical ties and navigates modern realities.
West Pacific Forum represents a future rooted in the past. It is a call for Indonesia to rediscover its maritime soul and assert its place not just as a Southeast Asian power, but as a Pacific one—bold, inclusive, and historically grounded.
