ASEAN次世代専門家グループ招へい（第1期：経済安全保障）Dandy Rafitrandi

The Invitation Program was an enriching experience that provided deep insights into economic security, spanning Japan’s trade and industry strategy, historical perspectives on economic security issues, and the real-world application of artificial intelligence (AI) in addressing economic security challenges. Through expert-led discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, I engaged with policymakers, industry leaders, and fellow participants from diverse backgrounds. This program not only enhanced my theoretical understanding of economic security but also offered practical applications that I can integrate into my research and professional career.

One of the most significant takeaways from the program was the comprehensive exploration of economic security in a global context. The discussions underscored how economic security is increasingly intertwined with national security, particularly in an era of rapid technological advancements and geopolitical shifts. The sessions provided a detailed examination of Japan’s approach to economic security, including its strategies for supply chain resilience, technological innovation, and policy frameworks designed to safeguard critical industries.

Another key learning was the importance of international cooperation in strengthening economic security. The sessions highlighted various bilateral, regional, minilateral, and multilateral platforms that Japan has established to enhance economic resilience.

Understanding these mechanisms provided me with a broader perspective on how nations can collaborate to mitigate economic vulnerabilities. However, many aspects still need to be unpacked given the expected uncertainty in the future. For example, how can countries achieve strategic autonomy while avoiding protectionist measures? What is the best economic platform to address economic security issues, especially for developing countries? These are critical questions that remain open for discussion.

Fortunately, the program provided a well-balanced mix of policy discussions with institutions such as METI, MOFA, JBIC, and JICA, alongside intellectual exercises with scholars from the University of Tokyo, the University of Kyoto, and the private sector. These engagements offered firsthand exposure to how policies are implemented at an operational level, showcasing best practices in regulatory oversight, technological innovation, and industry-government collaboration. Observing these practices in action deepened my appreciation for Japan’s comprehensive approach to economic security and offered valuable lessons that could be applied in other national and regional contexts. Although it is still preliminary, I can now see the silver lining of how economic security theoretical frameworks translate into policy and strategy in Japan.

From Indonesia’s perspective, I argue that economic security is not our priority—at least for now. Our primary focus is economic growth, ideally in a more sustainable manner. When discussing trade, Indonesia’s trade-to-GDP ratio is relatively low compared to other ASEAN countries. Additionally, Indonesia lags in global value chain involvement, meaning it is not well-integrated into the world economy. Moreover, Indonesia still relies heavily on foreign investment for economic transformation and, therefore, does not have the luxury of choosing sides due to limited fiscal and technological capacity. Almost 70% of our foreign direct investment (FDI) comes from Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Malaysia.

However, Indonesia has an ambitious vision to become a developed country by 2045, which necessitates a more active role in the global economy. The country is undergoing an OECD accession process, has recently joined BRICS, and has expressed interest in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CP-TPP). To foster more cooperation between Indonesia-Japan and beyond, my expectation for Japan is to take a more active role in some underutilize platform such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) to strengthen regional cooperation. In addition, Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) has great potential in bringing the region together to have more ambitious climate targets and just energy transition.

The knowledge gained from this program has significant implications for both my research and professional career. From a research perspective, the insights on Japan’s economic security strategy will serve as a valuable reference for comparative studies on economic resilience and policy frameworks. As I have ongoing research on economic security and supply chain resilience, the program provided me with immense insights into how I should refine my approach.

Additionally, the connections made during the program, especially with my ASEAN colleagues, were instrumental in fostering future collaborations. I anticipate leveraging this network to facilitate knowledge exchange and contribute to the broader discourse on economic security in the region and beyond.

Overall, the Invitation Program has been an invaluable experience that has deepened my understanding of economic security and its implications in both policy and practice. The combination of expert-led discussions, interactive workshops, and site visits provided a holistic learning experience that bridged theory with real-world applications. The program has equipped me with new perspectives and analytical tools that will significantly enhance my research and professional work. Moving forward, I am eager to apply these insights to contribute meaningfully to the field of economic security, fostering strategies that enhance economic resilience and international cooperation.

Thank you so much for inviting me to join the program, and I look forward to future discussions and collaborations.