Indonesia has been ignoring its leadership role in ASEAN, even though that organisation has the potential to be a valuable tool for extending Indonesian influence.

So far, Australia’s economic relationship with Indonesia has failed to reflect the full geo-strategic importance of the wider relationship.

With billions of dollars’ worth of natural gas and oil on its doorstep, Timor-Leste needs to successfully utilise those resources and invest in sustainable economic growth if it is to continue development in the medium- to long-term future.

In addition to economic reforms, Jakarta faces other challenges such as perceived corruption within the government and public services. Growing nationalism and the increasing influence of the military in domestic matters could also play an interesting role in shaping Indonesia’s future.

Indonesian President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo is expected to visit Australia next month. The visit follows Australian Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull’s meeting with Widodo in Laos on the back of the 2016 Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.