France and Indonesia established diplomatic relations in 1951.[1] The indirect relationship between France and Indonesia commenced during the early 19th century colonial Dutch East Indies. Since 2011 France and Indonesia have formed a strategic partnership.[2]
France has an embassy in Jakarta while Indonesia has an embassy in Paris. The relations between the two nations are important as both are democratic republics and each holds significant geopolitical influences in its respective region. France is a key member of the European Union, while Indonesia is a core constituent of ASEAN. The diplomatic relations between France and Indonesia are a key element for developing relations between Indonesia and the European Union and between France and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.[3] Both nations are the member of G-20 major economies.
According to a 2013 BBC World Service Poll, 56% of Indonesians view France's influence positively, with only 14% expressing a negative view. This is one of the most favourable perceptions of France in the Asia-Pacific, only lagging behind more positive views by South Korea and Australia.[4]
History
The indirect relationship between France and Indonesia commenced during the early 19th century colonial Dutch East Indies. During the Napoleonic Wars, the Netherlands fell to the French Empire, which also seized territorial possessions belonging to the Netherlands in the East Indies. For a short period between 1806 and 1811, Indonesia was subject to French administration.[5] During the reign of Governor General Herman Willem Daendels (1808–1811), France exercised its political influence in the East Indies through the Dutch Republic. Daendels was Dutch Francophile, and during his reign in Java he built a grand palace known as Het White Huis (The White House) or Het Groote Huis (The Big House), today the Indonesian Ministry of Finance building, that demonstrate French Empire style.[6] He also renamed the Buffelsveld (buffalo field) to Champs de Mars (today Merdeka square). The battle for Java was fought between British and French-Dutch Republics during Anglo-Dutch Java War in 1811.
The French Revolution and its Republic government also inspired the later Indonesian nationalist movement in the early 20th century. The political concept of the Republic of Indonesia was partly influenced by the Republic of France model. Indonesia also adopted the Napoleonic Continental legal system through Dutch intermediary. Indonesian law is often described as a member of the 'civil law' or 'Continental' group of legal systems found in European countries such as France and the Netherlands.[7]
High level visits
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visited French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris in December 2009. Both nations agreed to form a strategic partnership in 2011.[8] In July 2011, France's Prime Minister François Fillon and his entourage visited Jakarta.[9] At 29 March 2017, French President Francois Hollande made a historic visit to Indonesia.[10]
During the G20 2022 meeting in Bali, French president Emmanuel Macron and Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo alongside Indonesian Ministry of Defence Prabowo realized the major military and investment procurement for Indonesia and France.[11][12]
Economic relations
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The relationship between France and Indonesia is multifaceted, encompassing development cooperation, robust economic and commercial ties, and cultural exchanges. The long history of collaboration and the presence of French companies in Indonesia underscore the importance of this bilateral relationship, which continues to evolve and strengthen over time.
Historical Background and Development Cooperation
France has maintained a development cooperation program with Indonesia for many years. For thirty years, between 1967 and 2007, France provided aid to Indonesia within the international coordination arrangements established under Inter-Governmental Group on Indonesia and the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI). During the period when the CGI was active (1992-2007), annual meetings were often held in Paris, facilitating close coordination and collaboration between the two nations on developmental projects.
Economic and Commercial Relations
The Indonesian French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) was established in 1986 to develop and foster economic, commercial, and financial relations between France and Indonesia.[13] This organization has played a pivotal role in enhancing bilateral trade and investment.
In 2011, bilateral trade between France and Indonesia amounted to approximately US$2.5 billion. France has emerged as the 13th largest investor in Indonesia, reflecting a strong economic partnership.[9] Indonesian imports from France include a diverse range of products such as aircraft equipment, machinery and computers, electronic and precision equipment, chemicals, cosmetics and perfumes, food, metals and metallurgical products, and pharmaceuticals. Conversely, France imports agricultural, silvicultural, and fishery products, as well as textiles and footwear from Indonesia.
French Companies in Indonesia
Currently, about 100 French companies operate in Indonesia, contributing significantly to the local economy and providing various goods and services. Notable French companies in Indonesia include:
These companies play a crucial role in strengthening the economic ties between the two countries by investing in various sectors and creating employment opportunities in Indonesia.
Cultural and Diplomatic Exchanges
Beyond economic cooperation, France and Indonesia also engage in cultural and diplomatic exchanges. These exchanges foster mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of both nations. Educational programs, cultural events, and diplomatic visits are some of the ways in which France and Indonesia continue to build a strong bilateral relationship.
Culture
The objective of French cultural cooperation action is to support Indonesia's development as a new emerging country. Accordingly, it gives priority to research (rural development, aquaculture, volcanology, geophysics, and archaeology), university exchanges, primarily in the fields of technology and biological sciences, vocational training, support for strengthening the rule of law and democratic governance. Which includes legislative technical assistance, fight against terrorism and corruption, decentralization, human rights training. The implementation of quality cultural actions, such as through the "French Springtime" (Le Printemps Français) cultural festival and audiovisual policy.
France also has established Institut Français in Indonesian cities of Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta and Surabaya, a French cultural center with the mission to promote French culture in Indonesia through cultural performances and exhibitions, film and mediatheque.[14]
Language
The culture-linguistic relations between Indonesian and French were conducted through Dutch, as evident in Indonesian loanwords from French that mainly political or military terms, such as kudeta (from coup d'état), legiun (from légion) and letnan (from lieutenant).
Based on the expertise of the Advisory Board on Archaeological Research Abroad, the Foreign Affairs Ministry (DGCID) subsidisies the following archaeological missions in Indonesia:
Borneo: Diachronic study of uses and Rock Art in the caves and rock shelters of East Kalimantan
Java 01: A prehistoric site from the upper Pleistocene period
Java 02: The first populations on the Indonesian archipelago
Tapanuli
Music
In art and musics, France and Indonesia has mutual cultural ambassador, Anggun an IndonesianFrench-naturalised singer-songwriter, is popular in both France and Indonesia.[15][16]
Current issue
Capital punishment
In 2015, a French citizen Serge Atlaoui, is facing deathrow in Indonesian prison.[17] During the raid on a factory producing ecstasy in Tangerang, in 2005, the Indonesian police busted Atlaoui there. He was subsequently convicted in 2007 for the possession of 138 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 290kg of ketamine and 316 drums of precursor substances. Atlaoui has repeatedly denied the charges; saying that he was installing industrial machinery in what he thought was an acrylics factory.[18]
On 22 April 2015, French President Francois Hollande warned Indonesia that the execution would damage the relations between the two nations.[19] Atlaoui was spared from the execution on 29 April 2015, and currently, his sentence is being postponed.[20] France is strongly opposed to the death penalty in any place and in any context, not only when the life of a French national is at stake. France has been abolitionist since 1981.[2] Diplomatic relations are described as 'normal' despite the Atlaoui case.[18]
Defense Ties
After France and Australia heated relations with AUKUS debacle, France moves closer with Indonesia for the security of Indo-Pacific Region and also sells 42 Dassault Rafale fighters alongside Scorpene submarine's.[21][22][23]
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.
Hungary–Indonesia relations refer to bilateral relations between Hungary and Indonesia. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1955. A Hungarian embassy was opened in Jakarta in 1957. In line to Hungarian "Eastern Opening" policy, and due to Indonesian political weight and market potentials, Hungary considered Indonesia as one of the most influential states in the ASEAN. While Indonesia sees Hungary as a potential market and a strategic entrance to penetrate the markets of Central Europe and Eastern Europe. Hungary has an embassy in Jakarta, while Indonesia has an embassy in Budapest.
Indonesia and Romania established diplomatic relations on 20 February 1950, two days following Romania's recognition of Indonesian sovereignity in 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.
Denmark and Indonesia established diplomatic relations in 1974. Denmark has an embassy in Jakarta, and Indonesia has an embassy in Copenhagen. Bilateral relations are strong, as well as the humanitarian response to the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which claimed the lives of 45 Danes. In 2015, after focusing on China and South Korea, Denmark is gearing up to enhance its relations with Indonesia, hoping that it will help Denmark to build strong ties with the whole Southeast Asian region.
Indonesia and Malaysia established diplomatic relations in 1957. It is one of the most important bilateral relationships in Southeast Asia.
Indonesia and Japan established diplomatic relations in April 1958. Both are two Asian nations that share historical, economic, and political ties. Both nations went through a difficult period in World War II when the then Dutch East Indies was occupied by the Imperial Japanese Army for three-and-a-half years. Japan is a major trading partner for Indonesia. Japan is Indonesia's largest export partner and also a major donor of development aid to Indonesia through Japan International Cooperation Agency. Indonesia is a vital supplier of natural resources such as liquefied natural gas to Japan. Today in Indonesia, there are about 11,000 Japanese expatriates whereas in Japan, there are approximately 24,000 Indonesian nationals working and training.
Indonesia and Thailand have officially established diplomatic ties on 7 March 1950. The two countries have since enjoyed a cordial bilateral relationship. Both countries have established embassies in each capitals, Indonesia has their embassy in Bangkok and a consulate in Songkhla, while Thailand has their embassy in Jakarta and honorary consulates in Denpasar, Medan and Surabaya. High rank stately visits has been conducted for years. Both nations are the founders of ASEAN and members of numerous organizations such as the Non-Aligned Movement, APEC, Cairns Group, G20 developing nations and the Indian-Ocean Rim Association. Indonesia and Thailand are viewed as natural allies. Indonesia is also appointed as observer in Cambodian–Thai border dispute.
Indonesia and South Korea established diplomatic relations in 1973. Both countries share a common vision, values and the will to contribute to the international community as middle powers. Both countries are members of G-20 and APEC. South Korea has an embassy in Jakarta and Indonesia has an embassy in Seoul. According to a 2014 BBC World Service Poll, 48% of Indonesians view South Korea's influence positively, with 27% expressing a negative view. The Chinese Indonesian merchant Chen Yanxiang visited Korea between the 1390s and the 1410s, the first major contact between the two nations.
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 Suriname established diplomatic relations on 24 January 1976. Both had a special relationship, based upon shared common history as former colonies of the Dutch Empire. Large numbers of Javanese migrated to Suriname to work on plantations during the late 19th and early 20th-centuries. Indonesia has an embassy in Paramaribo also accredited to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, while Suriname has an embassy in Jakarta. Indonesia and Suriname are members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Forum of East Asia-Latin America Cooperation.
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.
Indonesia and Morocco established diplomatic relations in 1960. Both are the Muslim-majority countries; Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country in the world, while Morocco is also a Muslim majority nation. Morocco praised Indonesia as a strong democratic nation, and pointed out that both nations face the same challenges of separatism and terrorism. Diplomatic relations were established in 1960. Indonesia has an embassy in Rabat and a consulate in Casablanca, while Morocco has an embassy in Jakarta. Both nations are members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Group of 77, Non-Aligned Movement and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Indonesia and Venezuela established diplomatic relations in 1959. Since then, both countries enjoy friendly ties. Both nations agreed to expand the trade and investment relations, especially in tourism, technology, chemicals and natural gas sectors. Indonesia has an embassy in Caracas, while Venezuela has an embassy in Jakarta. Indonesia and Venezuela are members of multilateral organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), Non-Aligned Movement and Forum of East Asia-Latin America Cooperation.
Indonesia and Switzerland established diplomatic relations in 1952. In 2010, the heads of state of the two countries agreed to launch negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Switzerland has named Indonesia as one of seven priority countries for economic development cooperation. Indonesia has an embassy in Bern, while Switzerland has an embassy in Jakarta, also accredited for East Timor and ASEAN.
Austria and Indonesia established diplomatic relations on 20 November 1954. Austria recognizes Indonesia as a stable and reliable partner, and both countries enjoy excellent relations. The two nations have agreed to expand relations in business, trade and investment, tourism, culture, environment and green technology. Austria has an embassy in Jakarta and honorary consulates in Yogyakarta, Bandung and Surabaya, while Indonesia has an embassy in Vienna that is also accredited to Slovenia.
Germany and Indonesia established diplomatic relations in 1952. However, relations between the people of Germany and Indonesia has stretched back to 19th-century when a large number of German nationals migrated to Dutch East Indies.
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, Singapore and ASEAN.
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–Sudan relations was officially established in 1960. In February 2012, during a visit of Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Karti to Jakarta, Indonesia and Sudan has agreed to foster bilateral relations in politics, science, education and economic sectors. Indonesia has an embassy in Khartoum, while Sudan has an embassy in Jakarta. Both countries have Muslim-majority population and both are members of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
France–Netherlands relations are the interstate and bilateral relations between France and the Netherlands. The two countries notably share a border division in the Caribbean island of Saint Martin, to which the northern part of the island is a French overseas collectivity known as the Collectivity of Saint Martin, while the southern part of the island is a Dutch constituent country known as Sint Maarten. Relations between the two countries date back to the 17th and 18th centuries when a conflict led to the transformation of the Dutch Republic to the Batavian Republic and eventually the Kingdom of Holland. The two countries currently enjoy close cultural and economic relations. Both nations are members of the OECD and Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, as well as founding members of the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations.
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