Contemporary international politics is increasingly defined by the rivalry between the United States and the People’s Republic of China, with the most significant implications unfolding in the economic and technological domains. This article explores the
implications of this deepening competition in Indonesia, a Southeast Asian country that seeks to become the world’s seventh largest economy by 2030. We argue that Sino-American tech competition have negative implications on Indonesia, as this competition may undermine Indonesia’s existing trade relationships with the two countries, disrupt foreign investments coming into Indonesia, and expose Indonesia’s economy and national security through threats of economic cyber-espionage. We also argue that despite these risks, Indonesia has yet to recognise the strategic risks of economic and technological engagement with the two states, despite the existence of some legal and regulatory foundations to begin mitigating them. Unless addressed, these challenges could undermine Indonesia’s long-term economic ambitions and overall national security.