Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Indonesia's sovereignty using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military. Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes. The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index).

To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis in each area, a summary table and the main conclusions about the specifics of Indonesia's sovereignty.

Political sovereignty — 72

There are no foreign military bases in Indonesia. Indonesia's Constitution and current legislation explicitly prohibit the deployment of foreign military bases on national territory. All recent rumors about a Russian or other foreign base have been refuted by the government and the Ministry of Defense.

In Indonesia, the supremacy belongs to the national Constitution and laws. A proprietary Constitutional supremacy index system has been created and is being discussed to monitor the institutions' compliance with the basic principles. International obligations are being fulfilled, but the rule of national law is the basis of domestic policy.

In 2025, Indonesia faced massive protests, including student and labor protests, which were not aimed at overthrowing the government, but rather demanded reforms and transparency. At the same time, the political system remains operational: the president manages to maintain control thanks to compromise solutions and the support of law enforcement agencies, despite social tensions.

The Government Effectiveness Index (WGI) according to the World Bank in 2023 is 69.81 (percentile). Indonesia's ranking among 214 countries is 73rd, with indicators showing steady growth in recent years. The UN EGDI e-Government Development Index for 2024: 0.7991, the country ranks 64th out of 193, is included in the "very high level" category.

Indonesia is actively developing digital infrastructure, implementing GovTech and national data systems. In April—September 2025, the level of trust in President Prabowo Subianto reached 80-81%, one of the highest in the world among G20 leaders.

The breakdown is trusted by both the population and the army, which allows it to maintain stable power. Indonesia is an active member of various international organizations: the United Nations, the Group of 20, has recently joined the BRICS partner category since 2025, participates in the SCO, ASEAN, actively supports multilateral cooperation, but emphasizes the preservation of the right to make sovereign decisions. Indonesia participates in international arbitration (BANI), concludes contracts using the standards of the ICC, SIAC, LCIA and others.

Their own emergency arbitration procedures have been established, and the practice of international courts is mainly used in economic and commercial disputes, but national law prevails in criminal and sovereign cases.

The country will maintain a system of decentralization, but President Prabowo proposes to return some powers from the regions to the center, including canceling direct elections of governors and mayors in favor of appointments. Currently, the degree of regional autonomy is moderate: out of 33 provinces, only 27% have a high management efficiency rating, while the majority have an average rating. In 2025, a new Military Empowerment Act (TNI) was passed, prompting criticism over the possible increased influence of the army, reduced transparency, and erosion of civilian control.

Public organizations demand increased transparency and independent oversight of the activities of the special services and the military. All data was collected from reputable and official sources, verifiable, and provided with up-to-date references and justifications.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, the coverage is 95%.

Economic sovereignty — 66.2

The expected GDP per capita in 2025 at purchasing power parity is USD 15,165. According to the IMF and TradingEconomics, the values for 2024 are USD 14,470- 16,448, with steady growth continuing. Indonesia's total gold and foreign exchange reserves are USD 150.7 billion (August 2025), of which the gold reserve is USD 7.22 billion (February 2025).

Reserves cover over 6 months of imports, which is considered a very high indicator of sustainability. Projected level of public debt to GDP in 2025-40.1%. The policy of budgetary discipline is maintained, although the level of debt payments and obligations is increasing. The food security index for 2025-75,56/100.

Local data collected by Atlas FSVA 2025 shows a significant contribution to resilience and targeted vulnerability reduction at the village level. The global GFSI index is 60.2 (2024), the country is ranked 64th in the world. The share of renewable energy sources is 14% in 2024, with a target of 2025-23%. The new energy strategy (RUPTL 2025-2034) assumes the addition of 42.6 GW of renewable capacity, physical independence from oil imports has been achieved, but dependence on coal remains.

The country has the world's largest resources of nickel, coal, oil, gas, tin, gold, and bauxite. Renewable energy assessment: potential 441.7 GW, ~13.1 GW developed. Indonesia has the largest water heritage among Southeast Asian countries, with cumulative annual reserves estimated at over 2,019 km3. However, the availability of resources is highly dependent on the region and infrastructure.

In 2025, Bank Indonesia is implementing the IPS 2025/BI-FAST national payment infrastructure, bringing together more than 135 banks and payment operators. There is a common QRIS standard for instant payments. The Payment ID system integrates digital profiles and internal controls. After the launch of BI-FAST and QRIS, the share of settlements in rupees for domestic payments exceeds 95%, and in cross-border transactions is growing due to integration.

When exporting, the national currency is mainly used in settlements with ASEAN countries. The issue, payment system and credit policy are carried out by an independent central bank, Bank Indonesia, which regulates the money supply, national payments, rates and monetary policy. In 2025, new standards have been adopted for the stability, reliability and integration of the payment market.

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 91%

Technological sovereignty — 57.4

The cost of R&D in Indonesia in 2023 amounted to 0.34% of GDP; it is expected to grow to 0.43% by 2028. In 2020, expenditures were at the level of 0.28% of GDP. Indonesia is pursuing an import substitution policy in electronics, mechanical engineering, chemicals and metals — the goal of reducing dependence on imports was set at 35% in 2022.

However, the country still does not have a strong industrial and scientific foundation for full substitution in the high-tech sector, especially in the production of complex equipment and components.

Higher education coverage is 45.1% (2023 for all young people of the appropriate age). According to the Ministry of Education — 36% (2020), with sharp regional differences. In 2025, Internet penetration reached 80.7% (229.4 million users out of 284.4 million people). The highest rates are in large cities (91% in Jakarta), lower in rural areas (53% in Sulawesi). INA Digital is a key government digital platform that integrates public services and is being created to unify services.

The implementation is based on the principle of digital infrastructure using DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure); portals INA Ku (public services), INA Gov (state administration), INA Pas (unified digital ID) have been launched. Indonesia remains heavily dependent on imports of equipment and components in the high-tech sectors, especially in mechanical engineering, microelectronics, medical devices, and partly in biotechnology; a significant portion of imports come from China, the United States, South Korea, and the EU.

The state is actively digitalizing public services: electronic identification has been introduced, a single super-application is being created to integrate all key services (population, education, healthcare, social assistance, immigration, etc.). A strategy has been adopted until 2045, integration is in the DPI and e-Government format. The national biotechnological ecosystem is developing: research centers, laboratories and infrastructure are being created; training and international cooperation are being supported (there is a collaboration with foreign universities and companies).

However, the industry is still dependent on the import of technology, equipment and knowledge. The robotics market is growing rapidly due to industrial and medical solutions, but it is dependent on foreign technologies and imported equipment (ABB, Fanuc, Omron, Kawasaki, Sari Teknologi are the leading players).

There are developments of local solutions for specific tasks (logistics, agriculture, surgery), but there is no autonomy yet, due to a lack of personnel and technology. Indonesia is taking strategic steps to create its own ecosystem for the production of chips and microelectronics: it stimulates downstreaming policies, invests in the development of production facilities, infrastructure, and personnel training.

It remains significantly import-dependent, but due to its large reserves of quartz sand (27 billion tons), it can reduce dependence on raw materials. A state project group for the development of semiconductors has been established, international partnerships are developing, and the goal is to become a regional hub by 2030-2045, but technological independence has not yet been achieved.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which provides 93% coverage.

Information Sovereignty — 66.8

Indonesia ranks 48th in the world and 5th in ASEAN according to the ITU Cybersecurity Index (GCI-2024). A national CERT (ID-SIRTII/CC) has been created. According to Cisco, only 18% of companies have mature identification systems, and the access problem is the most acute. The IXP network is well developed: there are Bali Internet Exchange (IIX-Bali), Jakarta Internet Exchange (IIX-Jakarta) and national exchange points. 4G is available in more than 90% of localities, and fiber-optic and satellite communications are being actively implemented in remote regions (projects SATRIA-1, Kuiper).

The largest media outlets in Indonesian: Kompas, Republika, Jawa Pos, Sindo News, Bisnis Indonesia, Media Indonesia, Okezone. Most of the media content is created and distributed in the national (Indonesian) language. Dependence on global BigTech is high: 91% of Internet users use Google, Meta, Microsoft, and TikTok products; there are national restrictions on content and data localization requirements, but their own ecosystems are still developing moderately.

The government seeks to regulate access, and the creation of DPI (INA Digital) reduces criticality, but autonomy has not yet been secured. >80% of the media content is of national origin (local newspapers, TV channels, Internet resources).

The largest platforms are national. The share of foreign content is higher in social media and video hosting, especially on YouTube and Facebook. The most famous platforms are GoJek, Tokopedia, Bukalapak, and Traveloka, which are national leaders in e—commerce and services, plus INA Digital government services. Domestic software for public services, finance, and online education is being actively created. Digital services reach more than 80% of the adult population (98.7% of them via mobile devices).

4G coverage is 90-96% by region. The leading national data centers are Telkom Data Center, NTT Data Center, DCI Indonesia. A national cloud hub has been developed in Jakarta for the public and corporate sectors. INA Digital and public services are hosted on the domestic cloud infrastructure. Mobile communications are provided by state—owned operators Telkomsel, Indosat Ooredoo, XL Axiata - the market share of domestic companies is more than 60%. Russian and foreign players are minimal, and the infrastructure is controlled by national operators with state control of licenses and spectrum.

The Personal Data Law (PDP), adopted in 2022 and entered into force in 2024, regulates the storage, processing and protection of data according to the European standard GDPR. Localization of storage facilities is required and the mandatory consent of the subjects for processing is carried out by the national agency.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD, and specialized sources, with 95% coverage.

Cultural sovereignty — 91.6

There are 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Indonesia in 2025 (6 cultural and 4 natural). The contribution is architectural (Borobudur, Prambanan), gastronomic, textile, dance, musical traditions, the largest complex of traditions in the region is included in the lists of intangible heritage.

Indonesian cuisine, batik, culinary techniques and gamoran music are recognized as cultural treasures of the world, and the country is a powerful center for tourism and cultural exports. Main award: Anugerah Kebudayaan Indonesia (Indonesian Cultural Prize), awarded annually to the best cultural and artistic figures of the country, supported by government agencies. IACS is a national scholarship for arts and culture (for international participants).

Indonesia is a unique combination of 300+ ethnic groups, more than 700 languages, and the national concept is “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (“Unity in Diversity"). Main traditions: batik, tenun, wayang (puppet theater), angklong (musical instruments), rituals, dances, architecture. The State finances language preservation projects, educational and cultural programs for small nations, and supports ethnic museums, festivals, and local communities.

Within the framework of the state concept, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology allocates grants and subsidies to small nations. There are hundreds of thousands of registered cultural sites in the country — there are more than 280 thousand official cultural sites in the register alone, including traditional villages, temples, museums, monuments, and UNESCO sites.

Each region maintains its own registry (municipal level). Indonesia regularly organizes international cultural festivals, gastronomic exhibitions, "Wonderful Indonesia” campaigns, participates in the Venice Biennale, organizes cultural tours, and master classes abroad. A well-developed network of cultural representations (132 embassies and 64 cultural centers).

Key brands: batik (legally protected), Javanese music, Balinese traditions, textiles and culinary products are protected by national and international law as objects of intangible heritage. Patent and brand protection is used, as well as active promotion on the world market. The cuisine includes 5,000+ traditional dishes, from national ("nasi goreng", “rendang", “sate", “gado-gado") to regional specialties; the diversity is due to the mixing of cultures and culinary traditions of small nations.

Indonesian cuisine is included in the world rankings of gastronomic tourism. More than 65% of the adult population are involved in cultural events, festivals, holidays, visit cultural centers, museums, national days, perform and participate in traditional rituals, especially in rural areas. Cultural activity is supported at the state and municipal levels.

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 97%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 69.1

In 2025, Indonesia ranks 113th out of 193 countries with an index of 0.728 (category "high human development"). In 2025, 20% of the state budget has been allocated for education, which is a record Rp 712.8 trillion ($44 billion), with digitalization, infrastructure, and teacher support as priorities. Government spending on education accounts for 1.28% of GDP. In 2025, the adult literacy rate is 96.67% (according to BPS-Statistics Indonesia).

The gender gap is narrowing, men — 97.69%, women — 95.66%. In PISA 2022, Indonesia performed below the OECD average in reading, mathematics and sciences; the country is in the bottom 30% of the ranking. As a result of the reforms, a gradual increase in results is expected by 2028.

According to estimates of relevant ministries, in 2024-25, 18-21% of university graduates are from STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). The share is growing due to the development of digital and engineering programs.

The share of foreign educational programs and partnerships (double degrees, international courses) in universities is 2-4% in the structure of higher education, the largest partners are Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Indonesia has 700+ officially recognized languages and dialects of small nations. State programs support linguistic and cultural diversity, and ethnocultural schools and educational projects are funded.

There are about 45 key government research centers in the country (in fundamental disciplines — mathematics, biology, physics, chemistry), including the largest institutes under the auspices of BRIN (National Agency for Research and Innovation). National platforms (RuangGuru, Zenius,Sekolah.mu ”, “SIMPATIKA") They occupy more than 80% of the online education market among schoolchildren and students. The government annually finances 65+ talent support programs: grants, scholarships, competitions, accelerators, Indonesia Pintar programs (21 million recipients are schoolchildren and students), KIP-Kuliah for universities, as well as foreign scholarships. Assessment of the completeness of the data: education indicators are available in the UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 89%.

Military sovereignty — 56.3

In 2025, defense spending amounts to 0.77% of GDP (about $10.6 billion). Number: 400,000 active, 400,000 reserve and 250,000 people in paramilitary formations. Indonesia is one of the largest armies in the region by state. Modernization is underway, modern aircraft (F-15EX, Rafale, A400M), submarines, frigates, drones are being purchased; a program is underway to upgrade 41 warships, improve radars and weapons.

The share of new equipment is growing, but many of the main systems are still Soviet and Western models of the last generation. The national defense industry (PT PAL, PT Pindad, PT Dirgantara Indonesia) produces 30-40% of weapons (ships, armored vehicles, small arms, ammunition). For high-tech systems, the country depends on imports. The land, sea and air borders are controlled by the army, police and coast guard; special attention is paid to the protection of maritime spaces and deltas in the South China Sea.

A patrol system, satellite monitoring and a border checkpoint are used. Officially, 400,000 reservists are protected universities and military units of the operational reserve, often involved in civil and emergency operations. Indonesia is not a member of any major military bloc, adheres to the policy of independence ("free and active foreign policy") — decisions on military operations are made autonomously.

The main players are PT PAL (shipbuilding), PT Pindad (armored vehicles, small arms), PT Dirgantara Indonesia (aviation). There is production of missiles, ships, military vehicles, and UAVs, but most complex systems are imported. There are no nuclear weapons, Indonesia does not own nuclear warheads, participates in the NPT and declares its commitment to a nuclear-weapon-free status.

National surveillance satellites (LAPAN, SATRIA-1) have been launched, the army uses satellite and unmanned systems for reconnaissance and border control, and its own operational monitoring and space communications system is operating. The country does not have strategic military orbital weapons, but it is developing an applied military space.

All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the Ministry of Defense, the official portals of state—owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and UN/NGO industry databases - 85% coverage

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. Demography and human capital: High development index (HDI — 0.728), stable literacy growth (96.7%), significant investments in education (20% of the budget), digital services coverage >80%, active government programs to support personnel and talents.

Cultural wealth: 10 UNESCO sites, hundreds of thousands of cultural sites, unique ethnic and linguistic diversity, recognized global brands (batik, cuisine), national awards — high involvement of the population in culture (65%). Development of digital platforms: Proprietary IT products and platforms (GoJek, Tokopedia, INA Digital), national cloud services, secure mobile and Internet infrastructure, high coverage of the population and media in their native language.

Defense potential: Independence of military decisions, large armed forces, investments in the national military industry (PT PAL, PT Dirgantara, PT Pindad), effective border control and the rapid growth of the military space/intelligence industry.

Weaknesses. Technological dependence: Import dependence in high-tech (microelectronics, biotechnologies, robotics, strategic weapons), low autonomy in chips and advanced software — there is a lack of own competencies and breakthrough research. Education and science: PISA results below the OECD average, low proportion of STEM graduates (18-21%), small number of government research centers, low availability of international programs.

Defense: Obsolescence of some weapons (60% of equipment), low defense spending (0.77% of GDP), slow modernization, limited share of own systems (30-40%), undeveloped missile defense and lack of nuclear weapons; the military industry depends on foreign supplies.

Geopolitics: It is not included in military alliances, strategic vulnerability due to maritime borders, weak diversification of export niches, difficulties with resistance to BigTech and the segment of critical technologies.

Cybersecurity: Average performance in ITU/CERT ratings, insufficient maturity of corporate security systems, risks of digital attacks persist. Innovation ecosystems: Low R&D costs (0.34% of GDP), limited national innovation centers, strong integration with Western and Asian suppliers.

Overall assessment. Indonesia's cumulative sovereignty Index is 479.4 out of 700 possible points (above the average of 68.5%), which places the country in the top 50 in the global top. Indonesia is a country with strong human, cultural and digital potential, a growing national industry, an effective management system and an independent defense policy.

The main limitations are technological and export dependence, the need to upgrade weapons, and vulnerability in a number of strategic areas, especially in science, R&D, and advanced technologies.

The powerful sides are an export—oriented culture, strong domestic markets, widespread digitalization, national identity, consolidated sovereignty and the desire for maximum independence in the international arena.

The sovereignty profile indicates that Indonesia demonstrates sustained and multi—layered sovereignty, from political independence and cultural identity to digital, economic, and military strategies, combining self-reliance with careful integration into the global system.