Indonesia–Myanmar relations

Last updated
Burmese–Indonesian relations
Indonesia Myanmar Locator.svg
Flag of Indonesia.svg
Indonesia
Flag of Myanmar.svg
Myanmar

Indonesia and Myanmar established diplomatic relations in 1949. Indonesia has an embassy in Yangon, while Myanmar has an embassy in Jakarta.

Contents

History

Sukarno and Sao Shwe Thaik Soekarno and Sao Shwe Thaik.JPG
Sukarno and Sao Shwe Thaik

The relations between ancient Indonesia and Myanmar dated back to the 14th century, the Nagarakretagama Javanese manuscript dated from Majapahit period has mentioned Marutma, a state that today is identified as Martaban or Mottama, located in modern Southern Myanmar. [1]

Burma has been a strong supporter of Indonesia's struggle for independence. In 1947, Burma, then under transitional government, requested the Indian Government to hold Conference on Indonesian Affairs in New Delhi. On 23 March – 2 April 1947, India held Asian Relations Conference in New Delhi, India, in which Burma, still under British colonial rule, showed its support by condemning Dutch military aggression. During Indonesia's struggle for independence, Burma allowed Indonesia Dakota RI-001 "Seulawah" aircraft, donated by Acehnese people, to land at the then called Rangoon's Mingaladon Airport on 26 January 1949 and was rented by Union of Burma Airways.

Burma declared its independence from Britain on January 4, 1948. Subsequently, the two countries officially established diplomatic relation on 27 December 1949. The establishment of diplomatic relation between the two countries was highlighted by the opening of "Indonesian House" in Yangon, which was later upgraded into the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in April 1950. At that time, President Sukarno hailed Burma as "a comrade in struggling and fulfilling true independence". [2]

Co-operation

Indonesia supported and welcomed Myanmar's membership to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1997. Indonesia also supports Myanmar's democratization process. Indonesia has since been playing the role of a regional supervisor of democracy by constantly encouraging Naypidaw to reform its authoritarian system. [3]

As the world's most populous Muslim country, Indonesia watches the communal violence against Rohingya Muslim minority closely. Indonesia also exchange views with Bangladesh and United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), to voice their concern and addressing the Rohingya refugees problems in Myanmar. The UN agency expressed appreciation for Indonesia's contribution to helping find solution to the Rohingya issue. [4] Yudhoyono, the president of Indonesia, urge Myanmar's leaders to address Buddhist-led violence against Muslims that he said could cause problems for Muslims elsewhere in the region. Indonesia encourages Myanmar to address the Rohingya issue wisely, appropriately and prevent tension and violence. Indonesia is ready to support Myanmar to reach those goals. [5]

On May 22 [6] and August 20, 2013 [7] Indonesian Police anti-terror squad Detachment 88, caught terrorist suspects and revealed an attempt by Indonesian Islamist militants to bomb the Myanmar Embassy in Jakarta. This failed terrorist plot was said to retaliate the killing of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. [8]

In 2017, following a military persecution of the Rohingyas, protesters demonstrated in front of the Myanmar embassy in Jakarta and a molotov cocktail was thrown into the building. [9]

High level visits

President Yudhoyono and Thein Sein during Yudhoyono's visit to Myanmar, 23 April 2013 SBY dan Thein Sein 23-04-2013.jpg
President Yudhoyono and Thein Sein during Yudhoyono's visit to Myanmar, 23 April 2013

President Soeharto paid a visit to Myanmar on 26 November 1972, on 22–29 August 1974, and on 23–25 February 1997. On the other hand, General Ne Win paid a visit to Indonesia on 11–14 June 1973 and on 8–13 June 1974. General Ne Win also paid a personal visit to Indonesia on 23–25 September 1997 at the invitation of President Soeharto. Meanwhile, Senior General Than Shwe also paid a visit to Indonesia on 5–8 June 1995, November 1996, and in April 2005. [2]

Other indication of the improvement of Indonesia–Myanmar relationship is the visit of three Indonesian Presidents to Myanmar: President Abdurrahman Wahid on 7 November 1999, President Megawati Sukarnoputri on 24 August 2001, and President Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on 1–2 March 2006 and 23–24 April 2013. [10] Myanmar Prime Minister General Thein Sein paid an official visit to Indonesia on 16–17 March 2009 and May 2011.

Trade and investment

Indonesia's exports to Myanmar include paper and paper products, palm oil, iron and steel, tobacco and rubber. Meanwhile, Indonesia's imports from Myanmar include cornstarch, timber, nuts, soda, fish and vegetables. Myanmar indicated its desire to import fertilizer or cement and invited Indonesian investors to invest or open businesses in Myanmar. The total value of Indonesia-Myanmar trade as of June 2008 amounted to US$159 million. [11]

Indonesia also agreed to invest in Myanmar's electrical power and construction sector. Indonesia's largest cement producer, PT Semen Indonesia, agreed to invest US$200 million in a cement plant in Myanmar that will be built early in 2014. [12] During his state visit in April 2013, President Yudhoyono vowed to increase economic cooperation in line with Myanmar's reforms, and also promised to push Indonesia's public and private firms to invest in Myanmar, and set a target trade volume of $1 billion for 2014. [13] Both Indonesia and Myanmar are promoting the two countries' trade volume. The trade volume is estimated to reach up to $1 billion in 2016. [14] Indonesia has offered to purchase 300,000 tons of rice from Myanmar.

Notes

  1. Nagarakretagama pupuh (canto) 15, these states are mentioned as Mitreka Satata, literary means "partners with common order".
  2. 1 2 "Indonesia-Myanmar Bilateral Relations". Embassy of Republic of Indonesia, Yangon, Myanmar. Embassy of Indonesia. Archived from the original on 25 September 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  3. Lang, Jarno. "Indonesia-Myanmar Relations: Promoting Democracy in South-East Asia". fairobserver.com. Fair Observer. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  4. Jafar M Sidik (April 2, 2013). "Indonesia, Bangladesh discuss Rohingya issue". Antara News. Retrieved 4 June 2013.
  5. Jason Szep and John O'Callaghan (April 23, 2013). "Indonesian president urges Myanmar to address Muslim violence". Reuters. Retrieved 4 June 2013.
  6. Rusman Paraqbueq (23 May 2013). "Berniat Bom Kedubes Myanmar, Sigit Ditangkap". tempo.co (in Indonesian). Tempo. Archived from the original on December 4, 2013. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
  7. M. Andi Perdana (21 August 2013). "Police Arrest Three Terrorist Suspects". tempo.co. Tempo. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
  8. Angela Dewan (November 7, 2013). "Terror suspect plotted on Facebook to attack Myanmar Embassy". thejakartapost.com. The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
  9. Chandi Vatvani (3 September 2017). "Molotov cocktail thrown at Myanmar embassy in Jakarta". channelnewsasia.com. Channel News Asia. Archived from the original on 3 September 2017. Retrieved 3 September 2017.
  10. "SBY to Visit Singapore, Myanmar, Brunei". Jakarta Globe. Jakarta Globe. April 19, 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  11. "Indonesia – Myanmar Economic Relations". Embassy of Republic of Indonesia, Yangon, Myanmar. Embassy of Indonesia. Archived from the original on 25 September 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  12. "Semen Indonesia to build US$200m plant in Myanmar". globalcement.com. Global Cement. 27 March 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  13. "Myanmar, Indonesia boost ties, trade". bangkokpost.com. Bangkok Post. 24 April 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  14. Maierbrugger, Arno (17 April 2013). "Myanmar, Indonesia target $1b trade". Inside Investor. Retrieved 23 May 2013.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foreign relations of Myanmar</span>

Historically strained, Myanmar's foreign relations, particularly with Western nations, have improved since 2012. Relations became strained once more in 2017 with the Rohingya genocide and due to the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état. Myanmar has generally maintained warmer relations with near states and is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hungary–Indonesia relations</span> Bilateral relations

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indonesia–Netherlands relations</span> Bilateral relations

Indonesia and the Netherlands share a special relationship, embedded in their shared history of colonial interactions for centuries. It began during the spice trade as the Netherlands established the Dutch East Indies Company (VOC) trading post in what is now Indonesia, before colonising it as the Dutch East Indies until the mid-20th century. Indonesia was the largest former Dutch colony. In the early 21st century, the Dutch government has committed to boosting its relationship with Indonesia, noting that economic, political, and interpersonal contacts should be further strengthened.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indonesia–Vietnam relations</span> Bilateral relations

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indonesia–South Korea relations</span> Bilateral relations

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bangladesh–Indonesia relations</span> Bilateral relations

Bangladesh and Indonesia established diplomatic relations in 1971. Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim country, whereas Bangladesh is the world's fourth largest Muslim country. They are partners in the United Nations and various multilateral organisations, particularly in international peacekeeping, the Developing 8 Countries, the Non-Aligned Movement, the World Trade Organization and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Bangladesh has an embassy in Jakarta, and Indonesia has one in Dhaka. Official diplomatic relations were established in 1972 after Indonesia became one of the first Muslim countries to recognise independent Bangladesh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indonesia–United Arab Emirates relations</span> Bilateral relations

Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) established diplomatic relations in 1976. The diplomatic relations are important because both share the solidarity as Muslim majority countries. Indonesia has an embassy in Abu Dhabi, while the United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Jakarta. Both countries are members of the World Trade Organization (WTO),Non-Aligned Movement and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brazil–Indonesia relations</span> Bilateral relations

Brazil and Indonesia established diplomatic relations in 1953. Both are large tropical countries endowed with rich natural resources, Brazil and Indonesia possess the largest tropical rain forest of the world that contains the world's richest biodiversity, which gave them a vital role in global environment issues, such as ensuring tropical forests protection. Both countries lead the list of Megadiverse countries with Indonesia second only to Brazil.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Austria–Indonesia relations</span> Bilateral relations

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indonesia–Sweden relations</span> Bilateral relations

Indonesia and Sweden established diplomatic relations on 23 November 1950. In recent years both nations demonstrate growing keenness to improve bilateral relations, as each head of government exchanged visits. Indonesia has an embassy in Stockholm that also accredited to Latvia, while Sweden has an embassy in Jakarta that also accredited to East Timor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bosnia and Herzegovina–Indonesia relations</span> Bilateral relations

Bosnia and Herzegovina–Indonesia relations refers to the bilateral relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Indonesia. Bosnia and Herzegovina has an embassy in Jakarta, while Indonesia has an embassy in Sarajevo. The bilateral relations was initially motivated by humanity and religious solidarity. As a nation with the largest Muslim population, Indonesians were shocked by the ethnic cleansing against Muslim Bosniaks during the Bosnian War, and promptly organized and mobilized help. Indonesian support for Bosnia and Herzegovina ranged from collecting donations, sending peacekeeping forces under United Nations, to building the Istiqlal Mosque in Sarajevo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Malaysia–Myanmar relations</span> Bilateral relations

Malaysia–Myanmar relations are foreign relations between Malaysia and Myanmar. Both are the members of ASEAN and enjoy good relations. Although the relations become strained in late 2016 due to the Rohingya people issues, the relations remained stable after the meeting between both countries' armed forces chiefs to play down the issues. Myanmar currently has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysia has an embassy in Yangon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indonesia–Jordan relations</span> Bilateral relations

Jordan and Indonesia established diplomatic relations in 1950. Both are Muslim majority countries who, despite the challenges, wish to promote and projects the Islamic values of tolerance, justice and equality. Both nations often share similar stances upon issues in the Middle East, such as the Syrian Civil War and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Economy and trade relations are also particularly important, currently Indonesia is Jordan's largest trade partner in ASEAN. Jordan has an embassy in Jakarta, while Indonesia has an embassy in Amman that is also accredited to Palestine. Both countries are members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Non-Aligned Movement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indonesia–Kuwait relations</span> Bilateral relations

Indonesia–Kuwait relations was officially established on February 28, 1968. The relations focused on economy and trade sectors, especially on energy (oil) and human resources. Kuwait have an embassy in Jakarta, while Indonesia have an embassy in Kuwait City. Both countries are the member of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and Non-Aligned Movement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ecuador–Indonesia relations</span> Bilateral relations

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Myanmar–Pakistan relations</span> Bilateral relations

Myanmar–Pakistan relations refers to the bilateral relationship between Myanmar and Pakistan. Myanmar and Pakistan maintain diplomatic and trade relations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indonesia–Norway relations</span> Bilateral relations

Indonesia and Norway established diplomatic relations in 1950. Since then, Indonesia and Norway has been cooperating in areas, such as climate and energy, democracy and human rights, international political issues and trade. Both nations has agreed to establish a strategic partnership against poverty and climate change, and also in promoting democracy and tolerance. Indonesia has an embassy in Oslo, while Norway has an embassy in Jakarta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indonesia–Kazakhstan relations</span> Bilateral relations

Indonesia–Kazakhstan relations refer to bilateral relations between Indonesia and Kazakhstan. The two countries officially established relations in 1993 and share some similarities; both countries possess abundance of natural resources, have predominantly Muslim populations with significant Christian minorities, ensure harmonious diversity and a commitment to human rights and democracy. Both nations have agreed to increase cooperation in several economic sectors, such as agriculture, industry, pharmaceuticals, petroleum, transportation infrastructure and machinery manufacture. Indonesia has an embassy in Astana, while Kazakhstan has an embassy in Jakarta. Both nations are members of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indonesia–Qatar relations</span> Bilateral relations

Indonesia–Qatar relations were officially established on 10 November 1976. Both countries are Muslim-majority ones, with Indonesia being the largest. Both nations are members of Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lukman Hakim Saifuddin</span> Indonesian politician

Lukman Hakim Saifuddin is an Indonesian politician and Muslim scholar who was the Minister of Religious Affairs in the Second United Indonesia Cabinet of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Working Cabinet of President Joko Widodo.