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![]() Indonesia | ![]() Iran |
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Diplomatic mission | |
Indonesian Embassy, Tehran | Iranian Embassy, Jakarta |
Indonesia and Iran established diplomatic relations in 1950. Indonesia has an embassy in Tehran, and Iran has an embassy in Jakarta. Both countries are full members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), The Non-Aligned Movement, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and Developing 8 Countries.
Relations between Indonesia and Iran are particularly important because both nations, as Muslim majority countries, are responsible for representing the Islamic world globally. [1] Indonesia has the largest Sunni population in the world, while Iran is one of the few Shiite majority nations in the world. Relations between the two countries can also represent the harmonization and reconciliation between Sunnis and Shiites. [2]
Numerous Arabic sources noted the existence of a people called Sayabiga, which are already settled on the shores of the Persian Gulf before the rise of Islam. This tribe or group appears to have been derived from a colony of Sumatran or Javanese people, originally settled in Sind, but who were eventually made prisoners during a Persian invasion and forcibly enrolled in the Persian military forces. Sayabiga were mercenaries of high soldierly qualities, disciplined, used to the sea, faithful servants; and in consequence, they were considered eminently suitable to serve as guards and soldiers, gaolers, and wardens of the treasury. In the reign of Caliph Abu Bakr (632–634) they formed a garrison at At-Khatt, in Al-Bahrain, and in 656 they are recorded as having been entrusted with the guarding of the treasury at Al-Basra. [3] Ferrand (1926) shows that the name Sayabiga is derived directly from Sabag, which is a variation of Zabag. [4] : 316
Persian traders have been active in Indonesia since the Srivijaya period in 8th centuries. It can be assumed that the contact between traders, mostly from Persia and the people of the Indonesia archipelago since the 7th century, resulted in a process of mutual influence in terms of the economic, social, cultural, religious, and especially language aspects between two society.
There is also an inscription of Persian poetry on the tomb of Fatimah bint Maimun in the village of Leran which dates from the 11th century during the era of Sultan Malik Saleh, the first Muslim ruler of Sumatra. [5]
In the 13th century many clerics from Persia who visited the kingdoms in the Indonesian archipelago brought Persian Islamic traditions and culture to Indonesia. One example is the art of calligraphy carved on Islamic tombstones in the Indonesia archipelago. There is also the Tabut (Tabot) culture in Bengkulu and Tabuik in West Sumatra which is similar to the ritual in Persia every 10th of Muharram. [6]
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Persians operated in the Aceh Sultanate. The Spanish exploler Melchor Davalos reported on the presence of Persians in Borneo and elsewhere in the late 1500s. [7]
In 2015, the trade value between Iran and Indonesia was only US$300 million, down from the trade value in 2011 which was US$1.8 billion. Therefore, the two heads of state agreed to take steps to increase trade figures. [8]
The governments of the two countries also see promising potential in cooperation in the energy sector. In 2016, Pertamina and the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) have cooperated in supplying LPG amounting to 88,000 tons and the amount will continue to increase next years. This cooperation can be expanded to other sectors such as crude oil, refineries, petrochemical products and others in the future. [9]
According to a 2013 BBC World Service Poll, Indonesians' perception of Iran is overwhelmingly positive, with 98% of Indonesians expressing a positive view. It is among the most favourable perception of Iran in Asia, and second-most favourable in the world. [10]
During the 2019-2021 Persian Gulf crisis, Indonesia had seized Iranian and Panamanian tanker in Borneo. The two ships had suspected of illegally transferring oil in the waters. [11]
According to the official report of the Ministry of Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, in the field of science and technology cooperation, Indonesia and Iran have signed an MoU in 2006 and formed a Joint Science and Technology Committee since 2008. In October 2017 the two met and produced several activity plans, namely: [12]
In a cultural meeting called "Traces of the Persians in Southeast Asia" held at the Faculty of Languages and Cultures, University of Indonesia (UI), topics such as similarities in Iranian and Indonesian languages and cultures were explored. Attended by Iran's cultural attaché in Indonesia, Hojatollah Ebrahimian, and Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Cultural Sciences Adrianus Lavranous, the meeting also aimed to increase cultural ties and understanding between the two Muslim countries. [13]
Linguistic
Iran and Indonesia share a linguistic heritage, in fact the language spoken in Indonesia language has 350 Persian words as part of its lexicon. For example, the word Anggur in Indonesian comes from the Persian word انگور (angur) which means grapes. The word Kismis in Indonesian comes from the Persian word کشمش (kešmeš) which means raisins. The word Syahbandar in Indonesian means port ruler. Consisting of the word Bandar in Indonesian comes from the Persian word بندر (bandar) with the same meaning. And the word shah comes from the word شاه (šâh) which means King. [14]
Starting 2023, ambassadors Sumuntyan (Iran) and Korig (Indonesia) have made talks via. official BTRSM communications hub channels. Diplomacy is reportedly smooth sailing, though nothing concrete has been set in motion by way of these talks. Purportedly, such talks center around potential joint academic projects, most notably on the refinement of literature in a hypothetical "Joint Modern Foreign Literature Committee (JMFLC)". Relevant experts on the subject have placed a rough timeline on the completion and implementation of such a committee in the coming decade (2020-2029).
According to one source from Iran, this easy diplomacy may be tenuous, due to loosely referenced incidents pertaining Rounds discourse. However, experts have disputed whether this claim is real or falsified - there is little, shaky evidence that such an incident has occurred, and the reporting on such an event is not widespread. If falsified, this could be considered as an apotheosis and one of the few, concrete examples of post-modern propaganda.
The foreign relations of Iran are the economic and diplomatic relationships between the Iranian government and governments of other countries. Geography is a very significant factor in informing Iran's foreign policy. Following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the newly formed Islamic Republic, under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini, dramatically reversed the pro-American foreign policy of the last Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Since then the country's policies have oscillated between the two opposing tendencies of revolutionary ardour to eliminate Western and non-Muslim influences while promoting the Islamic revolution abroad, and pragmatism, which would advance economic development and normalization of relations. Iran's bilateral dealings are accordingly sometimes confused and contradictory.
Greater Iran or Greater Persia, also known as Persosphere, is a sociocultural region in which Iranian traditions and Iranian languages have had a significant impact. It spans parts of West Asia, the Caucasus, Central Asia, South Asia, and parts of East Asia, specifically Xinjiang, China. The region is defined by having been long-ruled by the dynasties of various Iranian empires, under whom the local populaces gradually incorporated some degree of Iranian influence into their cultural and/or linguistic traditions; or alternatively as where a considerable number of Iranian peoples settled to still maintain communities who patronize their respective cultures, geographically corresponding to the areas surrounding the Iranian plateau. It is referred to as the "Iranian Cultural Continent" by Encyclopædia Iranica.
India–Iran relations are the bilateral relationship between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Independent India and Iran established diplomatic relations on 15 March 1950. However, ties between both ancient Persia and ancient India date back millennia. During much of the Cold War, relations between India and the erstwhile Imperial State of Iran suffered due to their differing political interests: India endorsed a non-aligned position but fostered strong links with the Soviet Union, while Iran was an open member of the Western Bloc and enjoyed close ties with the United States. While India did not welcome the 1979 Islamic Revolution, relations between the two states strengthened momentarily in its aftermath. However, Iran's continued support for Pakistan in the India–Pakistan conflict and India's close relations with Iraq during the Iran–Iraq War greatly strained bilateral ties. In the 1990s, both India and Iran supported the Northern Alliance against the Taliban in Afghanistan, the latter of which received overt Pakistani backing and ruled most of the country until the 2001 United States-led invasion. They continued to collaborate in supporting the broad-based anti-Taliban government, led by Ashraf Ghani and backed by the international community, until the Taliban captured Kabul in 2021 and re-established the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. India and Iran signed a defence cooperation agreement in December 2002.
French–Iranian relations are the international relations between France and Iran. Iran has generally enjoyed a friendly relationship with France since the Middle Ages. The travels of Jean-Baptiste Tavernier are particularly well known to Safavid Persia. France has an embassy in Tehran and Iran has an embassy in Paris.
Arab League–Iran relations refer to the political, economic, and cultural ties between the League of Arab States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The former is a regional organization composed of 22 Arab states in MENA with a combined majority of Sunni Muslims, whereas the latter is a country in Western Asia with a majority of Shia Muslims.
Iranian–Italian relations are the diplomatic relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Italian Republic.
The composite Turko-Persian, Turco-Persian, or Turco-Iranian is the distinctive culture that arose in the 9th and 10th centuries in Khorasan and Transoxiana.
Iran–North Korea relations are described as being positive by official news agencies of the two countries. Diplomatic relations improved following the Iranian Revolution in 1979 and the establishment of an Islamic Republic. Iran and North Korea pledge cooperation in educational, scientific, and cultural spheres. Some media reports claim this cooperation extends to nuclear cooperation, though official U.S. government publications and academic studies have disputed this. The United States has been greatly concerned by North Korea's arms deals with Iran, which started during the 1980s with North Korea acting as a third party in arms deals between the Communist bloc and Iran, as well as selling domestically produced weapons to Iran, and North Korea continues selling missiles to Iran. North Korea and Iran are the remaining two members of George W. Bush's "Axis of evil", which has led to many of the concerns regarding Iran–North Korea relations.
Bilateral relations exist between Armenia and Iran. Despite religious and ideological differences, relations between the two states remain extensively cordial and both are strategic partners in the region. Armenia and Iran are both neighbouring countries in Western Asia and share a common land border that is 44 kilometres (27 mi) in length.
Bilateral relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia have been strained over several geopolitical issues, such as aspirations for regional leadership, oil export policy and relations with the United States and other Western countries. Diplomatic relations were suspended from 1987 to 1990, and in 2016 for seven years following certain issues like the intervention in Yemen, Iran embassy bombing in Yemen, incidents in 2015 Hajj, the execution of Nimr al-Nimr, the attack on the Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran. However, in March 2023, after discussions brokered by China, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to reestablish relations.
Indonesia and Turkey established diplomatic relations in 1950. Diplomatic relations are particularly important because both are Muslim-majority countries as well as modern democracies. Indonesia has an embassy in Ankara and consulate-general in Istanbul. Turkey has an embassy in Jakarta, and honorary consulate in Medan since May 1996. Both countries are full members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, MIKTA and the G-20 major economies.
China–Iranian relations refers to the economic, political, and social relations between the People's Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Official diplomatic relations were first established in 1937. The two old civilizations had a history of cultural, political and economic exchanges along the Silk Road since at least 200 BC and possibly earlier. They have developed a friendly, economic and strategic relationship.
Iran and South Korea have had diplomatic relations since 1962. Throughout history, the two countries have maintained a normal relationship despite South Korea's close relationship with the United States, and Iran's close relationship with North Korea. However, many South Koreans disapprove of Iran's nuclear program and its open alliance with North Korea, sometimes leading the South Korean government to sanction Iran.
Indonesia–Madagascar relations spans for over a millennium, since the ancestors of the people of Madagascar sailed across the Indian Ocean from the Nusantara Archipelago back in 8th or 9th century AD. Indonesia has an embassy in Antananarivo, while Madagascar does not have an accreditation to Indonesia. It was announced in December 2017 that Madagascar would be opening an embassy in Jakarta in 2018, however, the embassy was never opened.
Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia established diplomatic relations in 1984. Since then, both country enjoys warm and friendly relations. Brunei has an embassy in Jakarta, while Indonesia has an embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan. Indonesia and Brunei don't share direct land borders. Since diplomatic relations were established back in 1984, Overall relations between the two countries were progressing well and that both sides continued to enjoy strong ties in a wide spectrum of co-operations; including trade and investment, tourism, agriculture, marine and fisheries, health, defence, transnational crimes, education, youth, culture and people-to-people contacts.
Indonesia and Iraq established diplomatic relations in 1950. Diplomatic relations are important since they share similarity as Muslim majority countries. Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country in the world, while Iraq also a Muslim majority nation. Diplomatic relations were established in 1950. Indonesia has an embassy in Baghdad, while Iraq has an embassy in Jakarta. Both nations are members of the Non-Aligned Movement and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Indonesia–Yemen relations are current and historical bilateral relations between Indonesia and Yemen since 21 April 1962. Indonesia and Yemen shared similarity as the Muslim majority countries, Indonesia is the most popular Muslim country in the world, while Yemen also a Muslim majority nation. Indonesia has an embassy in Sana'a, while Yemen has an embassy in Jakarta. Both the countries have many cultural proximities and similar view on international issues and these nations are members of the Non-Aligned Movement, Indian-Ocean Rim Association and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Indonesia–Uzbekistan relations was officially established on June 23, 1992. Both countries have recognized importance of each other's potential; Uzbekistan realized the strategic importance of Indonesia, home to the world's biggest Muslim population and Southeast Asia’s biggest economy, while Indonesia recognize Uzbekistan strategic importance as the gate to Central Asia, a growing economy also a potential market. Indonesia has an embassy in Tashkent, while Uzbekistan has an embassy in Jakarta. Both countries have Muslim-majority population and both are members of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Malay is spoken by a minority of Filipinos, particularly in the Palawan, Sulu Archipelago and parts of Mindanao, mostly in the form of trade and creole languages, such as Sabah Malay.
The diplomatic relations between the Portuguese Republic and the Islamic Republic of Iran date back to the 16th century, following the establishment of the Portuguese State of India.