Policy Network Gaps in Indonesia's Peacekeeping Governance: Evidence from the Democratic Republic of Congo
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Indonesia has maintained a significant role in United Nations peacekeeping operations; however, its peacekeeping governance continues to face challenges related to operational readiness, resource allocation, interagency coordination, and limited participation of non-state actors. This study examined gaps in Indonesia’s peacekeeping policy network and their implications for strengthening peacekeeping capabilities, using Indonesia’s peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 2018 to 2023 as a case study. The study employed a qualitative case study approach based on in-depth interviews, document analysis, and data triangulation. The analysis applied Frans van Waarden’s policy network framework, focusing on seven dimensions: actors, functions, structure, institutionalization, rules of conduct, power relations, and actor strategies. The findings revealed that Indonesia’s peacekeeping policy network remained predominantly state-centered, with decision-making authority concentrated among defense and military actors. Civil society organizations, academic institutions, international organizations, and the private sector had limited access to policy formulation and decision-making processes. The study also identified weaknesses in interagency coordination, institutionalized collaboration, resource support, and the integration of civilian perspectives into peacekeeping strategies. These network gaps constrained the development of comprehensive responses to operational, humanitarian, and long-term peacebuilding challenges in multidimensional peacekeeping missions. The study demonstrated that strengthening Indonesia’s peacekeeping capabilities requires a more inclusive and institutionalized policy network that expands meaningful participation among state and non-state actors while improving coordination and resource integration. This study contributes to peacekeeping governance research by demonstrating how structural and relational gaps within policy networks influence Indonesia’s capacity to address multidimensional peacekeeping challenges.
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