The Dilemma of the Global Maritime Fulcrum: Challenges in Implementing the Global Maritime Fulcrum During President Joko Widodo's Second Term

Purpose: The aim of this article is to reviews the literature related to the Global Maritime Fulcrum (GMF) policy initiated by President Joko Widodo at the beginning of his administration in 2014. The research identifies the challenges faced by the transition of President Joko Widodo administration from 2014 to 2019 to cover maritime policy. Study Design/Methodology/Approach: This article employs a qualitative research method with a descriptive-analytical approach. Literature sources such as journal articles, opinion pieces, books, and documents from relevant ministries and agencies are utilized to analyze the trends in the development of PMD policy during the second half of President Joko Widodo's administration. Findings: The findings indicate that most recent literature suggests a shift in priorities during President Joko Widodo's second term (2014-2019) concerning the GMF policy. This shift is evident from the decreasing focus on GMF in various speeches and governmental policies, alongside a greater emphasis on land-based infrastructure and economic development rather than maritime. The article categorizes the factors contributing to this shift into two major groups: external challenges and internal challenges. The primary external challenge currently faced by Indonesia is the increasing aggressiveness of China in the South China Sea. Meanwhile, the internal challenges include the limitations of military budgets, the COVID-19 pandemic, the allure of China's economic incentives, and a lack of coordination among related ministries and agencies. Originality/Value: The study underscores the need on GMF issues should focus more on the prioritization of GMF programs. Additionally, relevant ministries and agencies need to establish realistic priorities within the GMF program, considering current budgetary constraints and the socio-political and economic landscape, to effectively achieve the GMF vision