<![CDATA[This article examines the reforms and the changes in domestic and foreign policy carried out by the state of Indonesia after it declared independence on August 17, 1945. Having proclaimed its independence with the end of World War II, this state chose neutrality as its main geopolitical principle, since it was precisely during this period that rivalry between the United States and China intensified. In a period when such rivalry was at its peak, a state inevitably had to side with one party or another; for this reason Indonesia chose the principle of neutrality. Moreover, it began to emerge as a leader defending the interests of Southern states, and came to be recognized as an important geopolitical player not only within the ASEAN region but across the Global South as well. Although successive presidents carried out reforms in different ways, the underlying principle remained neutrality. Developing the country while remaining neutral, and achieving leadership among states, were also among the main objectives.]]>
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