In just one week, two encounters in different parts of the world showed the balance Indonesia is trying to strike between its strategic and economic interests. In the Russian city of Kazan, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono was doing the diplomatic rounds to promote Jakarta’s bid to become a full member of Brics,

The move from Beijing comes just a day after the Philippines signed two laws defining the country’s maritime zones

Analysts at a forum urged Manila to strengthen ties with Jakarta to leverage Indonesia's regional leadership and economic power against China's claims A forum involving business and diplomatic leaders in Indonesia and the Filipino community in Jakarta has highlighted how the Philippines could learn from its "big brother" in navigating the complexities of its maritime dispute with China.