This article is part of a series on the |
Politics of Indonesia |
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Since independence, Indonesian foreign relations have adhered to a "free and active" foreign policy, seeking to play a role in regional affairs commensurate with its size and location but avoiding involvement in conflicts among major powers. During the presidency of Sukarno, Indonesia's foreign relations were marked by engagement with other newly independent nations in Asia and Africa, as exemplified by the Bandung Conference, the subsequent foundation of the Non-Aligned Movement and a confrontational attitude towards Western powers, justified by a belief in the CONEFO and opposition to what Sukarno termed as NEKOLIM (Neocolonialism and Imperialism). [1]
After a US-backed ouster of Sukarno and left-wing elements in 1965, Indonesian foreign policy underwent a major shift under the "New Order" government, as President Suharto moved away from the stridently anti-Western, anti-American posturing that characterised the latter part of the Sukarno era. Following Suharto's ouster in 1998, Indonesia's government has preserved the broad outlines of Suharto's independent, moderate foreign policy. Preoccupation with domestic problems has not prevented successive presidents from travelling abroad.
Indonesia's relations with the international community were strained as a result of its invasion of neighbouring East Timor in December 1975, the subsequent annexation and occupation, the independence referendum in 1999, and the resulting violence afterwards. As one of the founding members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), established in 1967, and also as the largest country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia has put ASEAN as the cornerstone of its foreign policy and outlook. After the transformation from Suharto's regime to a relatively open and democratic country in the 21st century, Indonesia today exercises its influence to promote co-operation, development, democracy, security, peace and stability in the region through its leadership in ASEAN. [2] Currently, Israel is the only UN member state that does not have formal diplomatic relations with Indonesia, although they maintain informal relations.
Indonesia managed to play a role as a peacemaker in the Cambodia–Thailand conflict over the Preah Vihear temple. Indonesia and other ASEAN member countries collectively have also played a role in encouraging the government of Myanmar to open up its political system and introduce other reforms more quickly. [2]
Given its geographic and demographic size, rising capabilities and diplomatic initiatives, scholars have classified Indonesia as one of Asia-Pacific's middle powers. [3]
The foreign policy of Indonesia has evolved over time and has been shaped by various factors such as its historical context, geographic location, national interests, and leadership. Here is an overview of the historical context of Indonesia's foreign policy:
A cornerstone of Indonesia's contemporary foreign policy is its participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), [16] of which it was a founding member in 1967 with Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. Since then, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia also have joined ASEAN. While organised to promote shared economic, social, and cultural goals, ASEAN acquired a security dimension after Vietnam's liberation of Cambodia in 1979; this aspect of ASEAN expanded with the establishment of the ASEAN Regional Forum in 1994, which comprises 22 countries, including the US.
The Indonesian capital Jakarta is also the seat of ASEAN Secretariat. Other than serving their diplomatic missions for Indonesia, numerous of foreign embassies and diplomatic mission in Jakarta are also accredited to ASEAN. The presence of the ASEAN Headquarters has made Jakarta a diplomatic hub in Southeast Asia in some regards.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Indonesia's domestic troubles distracted it from ASEAN matters and consequently reduced its influence within the organisation. However, after the political and economic transformation, from the turmoil of 1998 Reformasi to the relatively open and democratic civil society with rapid economic growth in the 2010s, Indonesia returned to the region's diplomatic stage by assuming its leadership role in ASEAN in 2011. Indonesia is viewed to have weight, international legitimacy and global appeal to draw support and attention from around the world to ASEAN. Indonesia believes that ASEAN can contribute positively to the international community, by promoting economic development and co-operation, improving security, peace, the stability of ASEAN, and making the Southeast Asia region far from conflicts. [2]
Indonesia's bilateral relations with three neighbouring ASEAN members—Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam—are not without challenges. If not appropriately managed, it would result in mutual mistrust and suspicion, thus hindering bilateral and regional co-operation. In the era of rising Indonesia, which might assert its leadership role within ASEAN, the problem could become more significant. Nevertheless, the rise of Indonesia should be regarded in the sense of optimism. First, although Indonesia is likely to become assertive, the general tone of its foreign policy is mainly liberal and accommodating. The consolidation of the Indonesian democratic government played a key role and influence in ASEAN. The second, institutional web of ASEAN will sustain engagements and regular meetings between regional elites, thus deepening their mutual understanding and personal connections. [17]
Indonesia also was one of the founders of NAM and has taken moderate positions in its councils. As NAM Chairman in 1992–95, it led NAM positions away from the rhetoric of north–south confrontation, advocating the broadening of north–south co-operation instead in the area of development. Indonesia continues to be a prominent, and generally constructive, leader of the Non-Aligned Movement.[ citation needed ]
Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population and is a member of OIC. It carefully considers the interests of Islamic solidarity in its foreign policy decisions but generally has been an influence for moderation in the OIC.
Indonesia has been a strong supporter of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Mainly through the efforts of President Suharto at the 1994 meeting in Indonesia, APEC members agreed to implement free trade in the region by 2010 for industrialised economies and 2020 for developing economies. As the largest economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia also belongs to other economic groupings such as G20 and Developing 8 Countries (D-8).
In 2008, Indonesia was admitted as a member of the G20, as the only ASEAN member state in the group. [18] Through its membership in the global economic powerhouse that accounted of 85% of the global economy, [18] Indonesia is keen to position itself as a mouthpiece for ASEAN countries, and as a representative of the developing world within the G20. [19] Bali, Indonesia had played host to the 2022 G20 Summit.
After 1966, Indonesia welcomed and maintained close relations with the international donor community, particularly the United States, western Europe, Australia, and Japan, through the meetings of the Inter-Governmental Group on Indonesia (IGGI) and its successor, the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI), which coordinated substantial foreign economic assistance. Problems in Timor and Indonesia's reluctance to implement economic reform at times complicated Indonesia's relationship with donors. In 1992 the IGGI aid coordination group ceased to meet and the coordination activities were transferred to meetings arranged by the World Bank through the CGI. The CGI, in turn, ceased activities in 2007 when the Indonesian government suggested that an internationally organised aid coordination program was no longer needed.
Indonesia has numerous outlying and remote islands, some of which are inhabited by numerous pirate groups that regularly attack ships in the Strait of Malacca in the north, [20] and illegal fishing crews known for penetrating Australian and Filipino waters. [21] At the same time, Indonesian waters are the target of large-scale illegal fishing activities by foreign vessels. [22]
Indonesia has some present and historic territorial disputes with neighboring nations, such as:
List of countries which Indonesia maintains diplomatic relations with:
# | Country | Date [23] |
---|---|---|
1 | Egypt | 10 June 1947 [24] |
2 | Australia | 5 March 1949 [25] |
3 | India | 16 April 1949 [26] |
4 | Pakistan | 17 August 1949 [27] |
5 | Belgium | 3 October 1949 [28] |
6 | Netherlands | October 1949 [29] [30] |
7 | Philippines | 24 November 1949 [31] |
8 | Greece | 28 November 1949 [32] |
9 | Myanmar | 27 December 1949 [33] |
10 | United Kingdom | 27 December 1949 [34] |
11 | United States | 28 December 1949 [35] |
12 | Italy | 29 December 1949 [36] |
13 | Norway | 25 January 1950 |
14 | Czech Republic | 2 February 1950 |
15 | Russia | 3 February 1950 |
16 | Denmark | 15 February 1950 |
17 | Romania | 20 February 1950 |
18 | Iraq | 27 February 1950 [37] |
19 | Jordan | 27 February 1950 [37] |
20 | Lebanon | 27 February 1950 [37] |
21 | Syria | 27 February 1950 [37] |
22 | Thailand | 7 March 1950 [38] |
— | Holy See | 13 March 1950 [39] |
23 | China | 13 April 1950 |
24 | Saudi Arabia | 1 May 1950 [40] |
25 | Afghanistan | 20 May 1950 [41] |
26 | Turkey | 30 July 1950 [42] |
27 | France | 2 August 1950 [43] |
28 | Iran | 25 August 1950 [44] |
29 | Portugal | 13 September 1950 [45] |
30 | Sweden | 23 November 1950 [46] |
31 | Switzerland | 2 November 1951 [47] [48] |
32 | Luxembourg | 8 January 1952 [49] |
33 | Germany | 25 June 1952 [50] |
34 | Sri Lanka | 6 August 1952 [51] |
35 | Canada | 23 August 1952 [52] |
36 | Brazil | March 1953 |
37 | Mexico | 6 April 1953 |
38 | Finland | 6 September 1954 [53] |
39 | Serbia | 4 November 1954 |
40 | Austria | 20 November 1954 [54] |
41 | Hungary | 26 June 1955 [55] |
42 | Poland | 19 September 1955 [56] |
43 | Vietnam | 30 December 1955 [57] |
44 | Argentina | 30 July 1956 [58] |
45 | Bulgaria | 20 September 1956 [59] |
46 | Mongolia | 22 December 1956 [60] |
47 | Sudan | 10 March 1957 [61] |
48 | Laos | 30 August 1957 [62] |
49 | Malaysia | 31 August 1957 [63] |
50 | Japan | 20 January 1958 |
51 | Spain | 28 February 1958 [64] |
52 | New Zealand | 28 June 1958 |
53 | Cambodia | 13 February 1959 [65] |
54 | Ghana | 2 September 1959 [66] |
55 | Venezuela | 10 October 1959 |
56 | Cuba | 22 January 1960 |
57 | Morocco | 19 April 1960 [67] |
58 | Guinea | 27 April 1960 [68] |
59 | Tunisia | 12 November 1960 [69] |
60 | Somalia | 21 December 1960 [70] |
61 | Nepal | 25 December 1960 [71] |
62 | Ethiopia | 20 June 1961 [72] |
63 | Yemen | 21 April 1962 [73] |
64 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 6 September 1963 [74] |
65 | Algeria | 20 December 1963 [75] |
66 | Bolivia | 1963 |
67 | Tanzania | 25 January 1964 [76] |
68 | North Korea | 16 April 1964 [77] |
69 | Nigeria | 5 March 1965 [78] |
70 | Mali | 21 June 1965 [79] |
71 | Albania | 18 August 1965 [80] |
72 | Chile | 29 September 1965 [81] |
73 | Uruguay | 11 October 1965 [82] |
74 | Liberia | 1965 [83] |
75 | Singapore | 7 September 1967 [84] |
76 | Kuwait | 28 February 1968 |
77 | Bangladesh | 1 May 1972 [85] |
78 | South Korea | 18 September 1973 [86] |
79 | Trinidad and Tobago | 12 October 1973 |
80 | Fiji | 17 June 1974 [87] |
81 | Maldives | 2 September 1974 [88] |
82 | Madagascar | 13 December 1974 [89] |
83 | Peru | 12 August 1975 |
84 | Papua New Guinea | 16 September 1975 |
85 | Zambia | 18 November 1975 [90] |
86 | Suriname | 24 January 1976 [91] |
87 | United Arab Emirates | 30 April 1976 [92] |
88 | Qatar | 10 November 1976 [93] |
89 | Bahrain | 1976 [94] |
90 | Bahamas | 5 May 1977 |
91 | Oman | 5 December 1977 [95] |
92 | Panama | 27 March 1979 [96] |
93 | Djibouti | 6 September 1979 [97] |
94 | Kenya | 15 October 1979 [98] |
95 | Malta | 1 December 1979 |
96 | Samoa | 17 March 1980 |
97 | Ecuador | 29 April 1980 |
98 | Colombia | 15 September 1980 |
99 | Senegal | 3 October 1980 [99] |
100 | Paraguay | 29 November 1981 [100] |
101 | Jamaica | 17 December 1981 |
101 | Gambia | 30 May 1982 [101] |
103 | Gabon | 3 June 1982 [102] |
104 | Ivory Coast | 4 June 1982 [103] |
105 | Comoros | 19 March 1983 [104] |
106 | Mauritius | 27 May 1983 [105] |
107 | Iceland | 13 June 1983 |
108 | Solomon Islands | 28 July 1983 |
109 | Brunei | 1 January 1984 [106] |
110 | Rwanda | 16 January 1984 [107] |
111 | Ireland | 4 September 1984 |
112 | Costa Rica | 9 January 1985 |
113 | Seychelles | 16 December 1985 [96] |
114 | Zimbabwe | 14 August 1986 [108] |
115 | Cyprus | 4 December 1987 [109] |
116 | Nicaragua | 11 April 1988 [110] |
117 | Burundi | 31 May 1988 [111] |
118 | Uganda | 12 January 1989 [112] |
— | State of Palestine | 19 October 1989 |
119 | Eswatini | 12 April 1991 [113] |
120 | Namibia | 13 May 1991 [114] |
121 | Federated States of Micronesia | 16 July 1991 |
122 | Mozambique | 4 October 1991 |
123 | Libya | 17 October 1991 |
124 | Grenada | 28 February 1992 |
125 | Guatemala | 29 April 1992 [96] |
126 | Ukraine | 11 June 1992 |
127 | Cameroon | 16 June 1992 [115] |
128 | Uzbekistan | 23 June 1992 [116] |
129 | Burkina Faso | 8 August 1992 [117] |
130 | Croatia | 2 September 1992 |
131 | Armenia | 22 September 1992 |
132 | Azerbaijan | 24 September 1992 [118] |
133 | Slovenia | 12 October 1992 [96] |
134 | Turkmenistan | 10 December 1992 [55] |
135 | Slovakia | 1 January 1993 |
136 | Georgia | 25 January 1993 |
137 | Moldova | 12 February 1993 [55] |
138 | Kyrgyzstan | 5 April 1993 [119] |
139 | Marshall Islands | 21 May 1993 |
140 | North Macedonia | 23 May 1993 |
141 | Kazakhstan | 2 June 1993 [120] |
142 | Belarus | 18 June 1993 |
143 | Estonia | 5 July 1993 [55] |
144 | Lithuania | 15 July 1993 [121] |
145 | Eritrea | 2 August 1993 [122] |
146 | Latvia | 25 August 1993 [55] |
147 | Lesotho | 4 November 1993 [123] |
148 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 30 November 1993 |
149 | Saint Lucia | 2 February 1994 |
150 | Benin | 10 March 1994 [124] |
151 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 11 April 1994 |
152 | Dominica | 19 April 1994 |
153 | Tonga | 27 May 1994 |
154 | South Africa | 12 August 1994 [96] |
155 | Tajikistan | 27 August 1994 [125] |
156 | Sierra Leone | 12 November 1994 [126] |
157 | Vanuatu | 3 July 1995 [127] |
158 | Andorra | 26 March 1996 |
159 | Guinea-Bissau | 12 December 1996 [128] |
160 | Honduras | 24 September 1997 [96] |
161 | Liechtenstein | 14 August 1998 [129] |
162 | Guyana | 27 August 1999 |
163 | Angola | 7 August 2001 [130] |
164 | East Timor | 2 July 2002 [131] |
165 | Republic of the Congo | 2004 [132] |
166 | Togo | 2006 [133] |
167 | Palau | 6 July 2007 |
168 | Monaco | 17 December 2010 [134] |
169 | Dominican Republic | 20 September 2011 |
170 | Montenegro | 21 September 2011 |
171 | Niger | 21 September 2011 [135] |
172 | Antigua and Barbuda | 23 September 2011 |
173 | El Salvador | 23 September 2011 [55] |
174 | San Marino | 26 September 2011 |
175 | Mauritania | 27 September 2011 [136] |
176 | São Tomé and Príncipe | 27 September 2011 [55] |
177 | Bhutan | 15 December 2011 [96] |
178 | Botswana | 28 March 2012 [137] |
179 | Tuvalu | 1 October 2012 |
180 | Haiti | 21 November 2012 [96] |
181 | Nauru | 21 December 2012 |
182 | Kiribati | 8 May 2013 |
183 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 30 January 2014 |
184 | Belize | 9 July 2014 [55] |
185 | Malawi | 29 September 2014 [55] |
186 | Central African Republic | 21 September 2016 [138] |
187 | Chad | 22 September 2016 [139] |
188 | Equatorial Guinea | 22 September 2016 [140] |
189 | Barbados | 26 June 2019 |
— | Cook Islands | 12 July 2019 |
— | Niue | 12 July 2019 |
190 | Cape Verde | 18 March 2021 [141] |
191 | South Sudan | 20 September 2022 [142] |
Country | Formal relations began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Brunei | 1 January 1984 | See Brunei–Indonesia relations
|
Cambodia | 13 February 1959 | See Cambodia–Indonesia relations
|
Laos | 30 August 1957 | See Indonesia–Laos relations Since established diplomatic relations in 1957, both countries enjoy cordial relations. Indonesia has an embassy in Vientiane, while Laos has an embassy in Jakarta. Indonesia supported and welcomed Laotian membership to ASEAN in 1997. Laos and Indonesia agreed to enhance relations to focus on exploring the potential of both countries to co-operate on trade and investment. The two countries expressed a desire to reach further agreements relating to security, tourism, sport, air transport and education. [147] Indonesia through bilateral co-operation assist Laos on capacity building and development in various sectors, through scholarships and trainings for Laotian students. [148] |
Malaysia | 31 August 1957, severed diplomatic relations 15 September 1963, restored 31 August 1967 | See Indonesia–Malaysia relations
|
Myanmar | 27 December 1949 | See Indonesia–Myanmar relations
|
Philippines | 24 November 1949 | See Indonesia–Philippines relations
|
Singapore | 7 September 1967 | See Indonesia–Singapore relations
|
Thailand | 7 March 1950 | See Indonesia–Thailand relations
|
Vietnam | 30 December 1955 | See Indonesia–Vietnam relations
|
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Algeria | 1963 | See Algeria–Indonesia relations
|
Angola | 7 August 2001 | See Angola–Indonesia relations
|
Botswana | 28 March 2012 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 March 2012 [137] |
Cameroon | 16 June 1992 |
|
Egypt | 1947 | See Egypt–Indonesia relations
|
Ethiopia | 1961 | See Ethiopia–Indonesia relations
|
Kenya | 1979 | See Indonesia–Kenya relations |
Liberia | 1965 | See Indonesia–Liberia relations The diplomatic relations was officially established in 1965, however it was not until 2013 that both leaders of each countries visited each other's to further the co-operations. |
Libya | 17 October 1991 | See Indonesia–Libya relations
|
Madagascar | 13 December 1974 [89] | See Indonesia–Madagascar relations
|
Mauritania | 27 September 2011 |
|
Morocco | 1960 | See Indonesia–Morocco relations
|
Mozambique | 4 October 1991 | See Indonesia–Mozambique relations |
Namibia | 1991 | See Indonesia–Namibia relations |
Nigeria | 5 March 1965 | See Indonesia–Nigeria relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 March 1965 [78]
|
Rwanda | 16 January 1984 | See Indonesia–Rwanda relations
|
Senegal | 3 October 1980 | See Indonesia–Senegal relations
|
South Africa | 12 August 1994 | See Indonesia–South Africa relations
|
Sudan | 10 March 1957 [61] | See Indonesia-Sudan relations
|
South Sudan | 20 September 2022 | See Indonesia-South Sudan relations |
Tanzania | 25 January 1964 | See Indonesia–Tanzania relations
|
Tunisia | 1960 [190] | See Indonesia–Tunisia relations
|
Zimbabwe | 14 August 1986 | See Indonesia–Zimbabwe relations |
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Argentina | 30 July 1956 | See Argentina–Indonesia relations
|
Brazil | March 1950 | See Brazil–Indonesia relations
|
Canada | 3 March 1953 | See Canada–Indonesia relations
|
Chile | 29 September 1965 | See Chile–Indonesia relations
|
Colombia | 15 September 1980 | See Colombia–Indonesia relations
|
Cuba | 1960 | See Cuba–Indonesia relations
|
Ecuador | 29 April 1980 | See Ecuador-Indonesia relations
|
Mexico | 1953 | See Indonesia–Mexico relations Diplomatic relations between both nations were officially established in 1953.
|
Panama | 27 March 1979 | See Indonesia-Panama relations
|
Peru | 12 August 1975 [208] | See Indonesia–Peru relations |
Suriname | 24 January 1976 | See Indonesia–Suriname relations
|
United States | 1949 [213] | See Indonesia–United States relations The United States has important economic, commercial, and security interests in Indonesia. It remains a lynchpin of regional security due to its strategic location astride a number of key international maritime straits, particularly the Malacca Strait. Relations between Indonesia and the US are positive and have advanced since the election of President Yudhoyono in October 2004. The US played a role in Indonesian independence in the late 1940s and appreciated Indonesia's role as an anti-communist bulwark during the Cold War. Cooperative relations are maintained today, although no formal security treaties bind the two countries. The United States and Indonesia share the common goal of maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region and engaging in a dialogue on threats to regional security. Cooperation between the US and Indonesia on counter-terrorism has increased steadily since 2002, as terrorist attacks in Bali (October 2002 and October 2005), Jakarta (August 2003 and September 2004) and other regional locations demonstrated the presence of terrorist organisations, principally Jemaah Islamiyah, in Indonesia. The United States has welcomed Indonesia's contributions to regional security, especially its leading role in helping restore democracy in Cambodia and in mediating territorial disputes in the South China Sea. |
Venezuela | 9 October 1959 | See Indonesia–Venezuela relations
|
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Afghanistan | 20 May 1950 | See Afghanistan–Indonesia relations
|
Bahrain | 23 June 1984 | See Bahrain–Indonesia relations
|
Bangladesh | 1 May 1972 | See Bangladesh–Indonesia relations
|
China | 13 April 1950 | See China–Indonesia relations
|
Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China) | See Hong Kong–Indonesia relations
| |
East Timor | 2 July 2002 | See East Timor–Indonesia relations
|
India | 2 February 1949 | See India–Indonesia relations
|
Iran | 1950 | See Indonesia–Iran relations
|
Iraq | 1950 | See Indonesia–Iraq relations
|
Israel | Informal relations | See Indonesia–Israel relations
|
Japan | 20 January 1958 | See Indonesia–Japan relations
|
Jordan | 1950 | See Indonesia–Jordan relations
|
Kazakhstan | 2 June 1993 | See Indonesia–Kazakhstan relations
|
North Korea | 16 April 1964 | See Indonesia–North Korea relations Indonesia is one of the very few countries that still maintain cordial relations with North Korea, despite international sanctions and isolation applied upon North Korea concerning its human rights abuses and nuclear missile program. Indonesia has adopted what it calls a "free-and-active" foreign policy, which allows it to be consistent in counting on both Koreas as friends. Both countries share a relationship that dates back to the Sukarno and Kim Il Sung era in the 60s. Indonesia has an embassy in Pyongyang, while North Korea has an embassy in Jakarta. both countries are members of the Non-Aligned Movement. According to a 2014 BBC World Service Poll, 28% of Indonesians view North Korea's influence positively, with 44% expressing a negative view. This shows a deterioration from previous year's poll where 42% of Indonesians view North Korea's influence positively, with 29% expressing a negative view. [240] [241] |
South Korea | 17 September 1973 | See Indonesia–South Korea relations
|
Kuwait | 28 February 1968 | See Indonesia–Kuwait relations
|
Lebanon | 1950 | See Indonesia–Lebanon relations
|
Mongolia | 22 December 1956 | See Indonesia–Mongolia relations
|
Nepal | 25 December 1960 | See Indonesia–Nepal relations Since diplomatic relations were established in 1960, both countries enjoy friendly and cordial relations, although both parties have not established embassies in each counterparts' capitals. Indonesia only established an honorary consulate in Kathmandu, while its embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is also accredited to Nepal. Nepal on the other hand accredited its embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, also to Indonesia. Both the countries have many cultural proximities and similar view on international issues. Both countries are also partners and founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). |
Oman | 1978 | See Indonesia–Oman relations
|
Pakistan | 17 August 1949 | See Indonesia–Pakistan relations
|
Palestine | 19 October 1989 | See Indonesia–Palestine relations
|
Qatar | 1976 | See Indonesia–Qatar relations
|
Saudi Arabia | 1950 | See Indonesia–Saudi Arabia relations
|
Sri Lanka | 6 August 1952 | See Indonesia–Sri Lanka relations
|
Syria | 1949 | See Indonesia–Syria relations
|
Taiwan | Informal relations | See Indonesia–Taiwan relations
|
Turkey | 1950 [257] | See Indonesia–Turkey relations
|
United Arab Emirates | 1976 | See Indonesia–United Arab Emirates relations
|
Uzbekistan | 23 June 1992 | See Indonesia–Uzbekistan relations
|
Yemen | 21 April 1962 | See Indonesia–Yemen relations
|
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Armenia | 22 September 1992 | See Armenia–Indonesia relations |
Austria | 1954 | See Austria–Indonesia relations
|
Azerbaijan | 24 September 1992 [267] | See Azerbaijan–Indonesia relations
|
Belgium | 1949 | See Belgium-Indonesia relations
|
Bosnia and Herzegovina | 11 April 1994 | See Bosnia and Herzegovina–Indonesia relations
|
Bulgaria | 21 September 1956 | See Bulgaria–Indonesia relations |
Croatia | 3 September 1992 | See Croatia-Indonesia relations
|
Cyprus | 4 December 1987 | See Cyprus–Indonesia relations |
Czechia | 1950 | See Czechia–Indonesia relations |
Denmark | 15 February 1950 [275] [276] | See Denmark–Indonesia relations
|
Finland | 6 September 1954 | See Finland-Indonesia relations
|
France | 2 August 1950 | See France–Indonesia relations
|
Georgia | 25 January 1993 | See Georgia–Indonesia relations
|
Germany | 25 June 1952 [279] | See Germany–Indonesia relations
|
Greece | 23 February 1958 | See Greece–Indonesia relations
|
Holy See (Vatican City) | 13 March 1950 | See Holy See–Indonesia relations
|
Hungary | 1955 | See Hungary–Indonesia relations |
Iceland | 13 June 1983 | See Iceland–Indonesia relations |
Ireland | 4 September 1984 [294] | See Indonesia–Ireland relations |
Italy | 29 December 1949 [36] | See Indonesia–Italy relations
|
Kosovo | No formal diplomatic relations | See Indonesia's reaction to the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence Indonesia's reaction to Kosovo's independence has been mixed. Indonesia does not recognize Kosovo's membership in some international organizations, including the World Bank. [298] |
Monaco | 17 December 2010 | See Indonesia–Monaco relations
|
Netherlands | October 1949 | See Indonesia–Netherlands relations |
Norway | 25 January 1950 | See Indonesia-Norway relations |
Poland | 19 September 1955 | See Indonesia-Poland relations |
Portugal | 4 January 1965 [305] | See Indonesia–Portugal relations In 1999, Indonesia and Portugal restored diplomatic relations, which were broken off following the Indonesian invasion of East Timor in 1975. |
Romania | 20 February 1950 | See Indonesia-Romania relations |
Russia | February 1950 | See Indonesia–Russia relations
|
Serbia | 1954 | See Indonesia–Serbia relations Serbia has very close relations with Indonesia, especially within the fields of trade, culture and tourism. Indonesia has also voiced support for Serbia's territorial integrity over the Kosovo issue. [311] |
Slovakia | 1 January 1993 |
|
Spain | February 1958 [313] | See Indonesia–Spain relations
|
Sweden | 1960 | See Indonesia–Sweden relations
|
Switzerland | 2 November 1951 [47] [48] | See Indonesia–Switzerland relations
|
Ukraine | 11 June 1992 [319] | See Indonesia-Ukraine relations
|
United Kingdom | 1949 | See Indonesia–United Kingdom relations The United Kingdom and Indonesia have maintained strong links since formal relations were established in 1949. [326] Indonesia has an embassy in London, [327] the UK has an embassy in Jakarta and a consulate in Denpasar. [328] The Culture and Tourism Ministry of Indonesia launched a campaign to boost the number of tourists from the UK entering Indonesia. [327] In 2009, 160,000 British tourists visited Indonesia, the aim of the campaign was to boost this number to 200,000. [327] In 2006 former British prime-minister Tony Blair met with Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono where they agreed upon "the establishment of a regular Indonesia-UK Partnership Forum to be chaired by the Foreign Ministers, to promote strategic dialogue on bilateral, multilateral and global issues". [326] The first Indonesia-UK forum was held in 2007 and was chaired by British foreign minister Margaret Beckett and Indonesian foreign minister Hassan Wirajuda. [326] In March 2010 members of the House of Lords praised Indonesia for its progress in democratising society, media freedom and environmental protection. [329] In a meeting with Indonesian MP Hayono Isman, the Lords stated that they wanted to improve the relationship between the two countries. [329] |
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Australia | 27 December 1949 | See Australia–Indonesia relations Since Indonesian independence, the two countries have maintained mutual diplomatic relations, formalised co-operation (especially in the fields of fisheries conservation, law enforcement, and justice co-operation), a measure of security co-operation, broadening treaty relationships, co-membership of regional forums, and co-participation in several multilateral Treaties of significance. Trade between the two countries has grown over the years. Recent years have seen a deepening of Australia's aid commitment to Indonesia, and Australia has become a popular venue for Indonesian students. [330] In 2008–09, Indonesia is the largest recipient of Australian aid at a value of AUD462 million. [331] Indonesia has an embassy in Canberra and consulates general in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, While Australia has an embassy in Jakarta and consulates in Medan, Makassar, Surabaya and Denpasar. |
Fiji | 1974 | See Indonesia–Fiji relations
|
New Zealand | 28 June 1958 | See Indonesia–New Zealand relations Having common interests as democracies and neighbours in the Asia-Pacific region, New Zealand and Indonesia are viewed as natural partners. [332] Both countries are members of APEC. Indonesia and New Zealand officially established diplomatic relations in 1958, the diplomatic and economic ties have grown stronger ever since. New Zealand has an embassy in Jakarta and Indonesia has an embassy in Wellington. Indonesia's commodity exports to New Zealand consist mainly of energy products and minerals as well as lumber and agriculture, while New Zealand's commodity exports to Indonesia mainly consist of dairy products and meats, such as beef, milk, and cheese. |
Cook Islands and Niue (States in free association within New Zealand) | 13 July 2019 | See Political status of the Cook Islands and Niue Indonesia established diplomatic relations with both the Cook Islands and Niue on 13 July 2019 as a move to strengthen its ties with the Pacific Islands region. [333] [334] |
Palau | 6 July 2007 |
|
Papua New Guinea | 16 September 1975 | See Indonesia–Papua New Guinea relations Indonesia shares a 760-kilometre (470 mi) border with Papua New Guinea through its Papua, Highland Papua and South Papua provinces. The common border has raised tensions and ongoing diplomatic issues[ which? ] over many decades. [336]
|
Solomon Islands | 28 July 1983 | See Indonesia–Solomon Islands relations
|
Vanuatu | 3 July 1995 |
|
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: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)...Indonesia , Guinea to exchange ambassadors Conakry, April twentyseventh Chsinhua) - Indonesia and the Republic of Guinea decided to establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level ...
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: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)Joint communiques play a significant role in relations between states, as they are affirmation of recognition by each state of each other's political and economic sovereignty as states and signify commitment by both states to promote cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual respect for each other's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity as well as non-interference in the internal affairs of each other, guided by the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961.
Brunei maintains diplomatic relations with 170 out of 193 countries, joined ASEAN on 7 January 1984, one week after resuming full independence, and gives its ASEAN membership the highest priority in its foreign relations. Brunei joined the United Nations in September 1984. It is also a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and the Commonwealth of Nations. Brunei hosted the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November 2000. In 2005 it attended the inaugural East Asia Summit.
The foreign relations of Japan are handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
The foreign relations of Laos, internationally designated by its official name as the Lao People's Democratic Republic, after the takeover by the Pathet Lao in December 1975, were characterized by a hostile posture toward the West, with the government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic aligning itself with the Soviet bloc, maintaining close ties with the Soviet Union and depending heavily on the Soviets for most of its foreign assistance. Laos also maintained a "special relationship" with Vietnam and formalized a 1977 treaty of friendship and cooperation that created tensions with China.
Malaysia is an active member of various international organisations, including the Commonwealth of Nations, the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement. It has also in recent times been an active proponent of regional co-operation.
The foreign relations of Thailand are handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.
After the referendum on independence on 30 August 1999, East Timor became an independent nation on 20 May 2002 and began initiating diplomatic relations with the rest of the global community.
Indonesia and Romania established diplomatic relations on 20 February 1950, two days following Romania's recognition of Indonesian sovereignty on 18 February 1950. Indonesia and Romania have agreed to enhance cooperation in the trade sector. The nations are expecting the other to be the gate to enter each regional market: Indonesia as the gate to enter the ASEAN market and Romania as the gate to enter the European Union's. Indonesia has an embassy in Bucharest and Romania has an embassy in Jakarta.
Indonesia and Vietnam established diplomatic relations in 1955. Indonesia has an embassy in Hanoi and a consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City while Vietnam has an embassy in Jakarta. Both are neighboring nations that have a maritime border which lies on the South China Sea and are members of ASEAN and APEC.
Indonesia and South Africa established formal diplomatic relations on 12 August 1994. The South African Embassy in Jakarta was established in January 1995, and Indonesia opened its embassy in Pretoria in 1995. Both nations are members of numerous organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), Non-Aligned Movement, Indian-Ocean Rim Association, Cairns Group, CIVETS and G-20 major economies. In 2012, during a briefing on Foreign Policy initiatives for 2012, Indonesia named South Africa amongst its 14 strategic partners and Dutch colonial period East Indies overseas countries.
Indonesia and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations on 6 August 1952. Both nations share some cultural similarities. Indonesia and Sri Lanka are members of numerous organizations such as the World Trade Organization and Indian-Ocean Rim Association. They are also founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement. Indonesia has an embassy in Colombo, while Sri Lanka has an embassy in Jakarta.
Indonesia and Kenya established diplomatic relations on 15 October 1979. Indonesia has an embassy in Nairobi, also accredited to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and Uganda, and in 2022 Kenya established its embassy in Jakarta. Both nations are partners in multilateral organizations, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Non-Aligned Movement.
Indonesia and Italy established diplomatic relations on 29 December 1949. Italy has shown strong desire to improve its relations with Indonesia, especially in intercultural understanding and trade. Indonesia recognizes Italy's strategic location and important role in the middle of Mediterranean region, while Italy has favoured relations with Indonesia, and sees Indonesia as the leader in Southeast Asia. The relations between two countries not only important to bridge the two regional communities; European Union and ASEAN, but also vital as intercultural and interfaith dialog, since Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, and Italy is the heart of the Catholic faith.
The Czech Republic and the Republic of Indonesia established diplomatic relations in 1950. Both nations have agreed to forge ties to deepen relations, especially in the business and trade sector. Indonesia has an embassy in Prague, while the Czech Republic has an embassy in Jakarta that is also accredited to Brunei, Timor Leste and ASEAN.
Ethiopia and Indonesia established diplomatic relations on 20 June 1961, followed by the opening of an Indonesian embassy in Addis Ababa in 1964, also accredited to Djibouti. Ethiopia established an embassy in Jakarta in the second half of 2016. Arega Hailu Teffera, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Indonesia presented his credentials to President Joko Widodo on 23 February 2017. The Embassy of Ethiopia in Jakarta is accredited to ASEAN HQ, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, the Maldives and Pakistan. Both nations are members of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77.
Ecuador–Indonesia relations refer to bilateral relations between Ecuador and Indonesia. Relations were established on 29 April 1980; however, it was not until November 2004 that Ecuador established its embassy in Jakarta, and reciprocating 6 years later on November 11, 2010, that Indonesia finally opened its embassy in Quito. Both countries are the members of Forum of East Asia-Latin America Cooperation and Non-Aligned Movement.
Indonesia–Lebanon relations were officially established in 1950. Indonesia has an embassy in Beirut and a consulate general in Tripoli, while Lebanon has an embassy in Jakarta.
Croatia and Indonesia established diplomatic relations in 1992. Croatia sees Indonesia as one of the largest and the most influential nation in ASEAN, and recognized its potential as the gate to enter ASEAN markets. Vice versa, Indonesia also recognizes Croatian potential as a strategic gate to penetrate Balkans and European Union market. Croatia has an embassy in Jakarta, while Indonesian embassy in Zagreb was established in 2010.
Indonesia–Mongolia relations refer to foreign relations between Indonesia and Mongolia. Both countries are members of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue, Forum of East Asia-Latin America Cooperation, World Trade Organization and the United Nations.