A contest for political influence between the global powerhouses of China and the Unites States, which often affects the interests of Southeast Asian countries, is one of the primary concerns for many countries in the region, including Indonesia. Therefore, Indonesia and its regional counterparts have been urged to come forward and take the initiative to play a greater role in keeping the region safe and sound and to mull strategic partnerships with those giants. Newly appointed Deputy Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Muhammad Herindra talked with The Jakarta Post’s Dicky Christanto recently on topics surrounding that grand theme, on how Indonesia should respond to the current challenge, where we stand right now and what challenges lie ahead. Herindra shares the military background of Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, as both hail from the Army’s Special Forces (Kopassus). Bo…