TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Amid the increasing turbulence in global geopolitics, the voices of superpower nations are dominating the direction of global policies. For example, the United States, under the leadership of Donald Trump, has been withdrawing from various multilateral cooperation efforts. This includes the World Health Organization (WHO), the Paris Agreement, the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA).
Trump has also implemented a series of measures to protect the domestic market through high tariffs on imported goods, sparking a trade war with China and disrupting global supply chains. Armed conflicts continue without resolution, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine entering its third year and the escalating tensions between Israel and Palestine in Gaza and the West Bank.
The situation has become even more complex as Iran and Israel have been involved in a series of attacks since mid-June 2025, raising concerns of open war in the Middle East. In Asia, anxiety is on the rise as American and Chinese warships stalk each other in the contested waters of the South China Sea.
MIKTA Countries Banding Together
Amidst such global chaos, a group of middle-power countries is seeking to unite. Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey, and Australia - part of the informal forum called MIKTA - are working to come together and define their position. They are reiterating the importance of multilateralism and building a more inclusive global order.
"MIKTA can strengthen the collective voice and become a stabilizing force in global affairs. The role of middle-power countries has now become more crucial than ever before," said Park Soo-deok, Charge d'Affaires of the South Korean Embassy in Indonesia, during a discussion at the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) office in Jakarta on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
Three Agendas under South Korea's Leadership
MIKTA was formed in 2013 during the 68th UN General Assembly in New York. This forum aims to strengthen inclusive international cooperation, advance the principles of multilateralism, and bridge the interests of both developed and developing countries.
South Korea currently holds the chairmanship of MIKTA. During its leadership, South Korea has set three main agendas: building global peace, promoting youth engagement, and accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"This not only reflects South Korea's policy direction but also represents our collective aspirations and our position as a middle-power country," added Park. To South Korea, MIKTA countries are considered capable of bridging the interests of developed and developing countries in building a more inclusive global system.
The year before, Mexico held the leadership of MIKTA. They advocated for democratic values, international law, and inclusive development. Alonso Martin, Charge d'Affaires of the Mexican Embassy in Indonesia, referred to MIKTA as a bridge between developed and developing countries.
"MIKTA must continue to uphold multilateralism, provide creative solutions to global challenges, climate change, finance, economy, and act as a bridge between developing and developed countries," he said. Alonso also mentioned MIKTA as a complement to other global forums such as BRICS. Mexico also initiated the strengthening of development cooperation through the 4th MIKTA Development Cooperation Network Joint Statement. This commitment will continue under South Korea's leadership.
MIKTA's Void as an Opportunity
For Indonesia, MIKTA is a strategic forum to strengthen multilateral diplomacy amidst the increasing vulnerability of global cooperation principles. "We believe that MIKTA is a strategic forum to discuss strategic issues. MIKTA should not only cover political dimensions but also economic, social, and other issues," said Tri Purnajaya, Director of Development, Economy, and Environment at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Despite MIKTA's grand vision, the realization of its cooperation is still considered limited. For more than a decade since its formation, MIKTA has yet to establish a business forum, and there have been no initiatives for local currency transactions among member countries in economic cooperation.
"That's why I think there needs to be something more concrete," said Tri. However, he sees this void as an opportunity. "I hope MIKTA will have a greater desire, including in economic cooperation, trade, and investment," he added.
FPCI Chairman, Dino Patti Djalal, also highlighted the importance of shared goals in every international forum, so that they do not merely become discussion platforms without influence. "With shared goals, movements become faster and more meaningful, because there is a strong foundation to remain united and move forward," said Dino. The former Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister compared this with ASEAN, the European Union, and the G7, which are strong because they have clear shared goals.
Dino added that following the withdrawal of the United States from various international forums during Donald Trump's leadership, there has emerged a void that can be filled by middle-power countries. "Middle-power countries have the capacity to play a role in advancement," he added.
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