A New Chapter in India-Indonesia Relations: Strengthening Ties Through History and Strategy
In a historic visit to india at the end of January 2025, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto underscored the deep-rooted past relationship between India and Indonesia. As an honorary guest at the 76th republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2025, President Prabowo highlighted the enduring bond between the two nations, which dates back to India’s early recognition of Indonesian independence.
“India is one of the earliest countries to recognize Indonesian independence,” Prabowo remarked, emphasizing the importance of this historical connection. Indian Prime Minister Narendra modi echoed this sentiment, noting that the ties between the two nations, particularly in civilization and culture, span hundreds of years.
A Symbolic Gesture of friendship
To mark the occasion, President Prabowo brought a 342-member Indonesian Patriot Contingent, including 189 cadets from the Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil) and a drum band from the Canka Lokananta (GSCL) Flute Drum. This contingent led the Republic Day parade, a gesture that symbolized the mutual respect and gratitude between the two nations.
Strategic Partnership for the Future
The visit also marked a important step in elevating the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership. Both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in key areas such as trade, health, energy, tourism, defense, and artificial intelligence (AI).
“We agree with cooperation in the field of manufacturing and supply chain of defense,” Prime Minister Modi stated, highlighting one of the key areas of collaboration. Additionally, Indonesia expressed interest in learning from India’s free nutritious eating program, which has been successfully implemented since 1995. This initiative aligns with President Prabowo’s vision of fostering a superior and globally competitive generation.Historical Foundations of Cooperation
The partnership between India and Indonesia is built on a rich history of mutual support. India was the first country to support Indonesia’s struggle for independence,providing both financial and medical aid. The close personal relationship between India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Indonesia’s founding President, sukarno, further cemented this bond.
Together, the two nations played a pivotal role in the non-aligned movement, spearheading the Asian-african Conference in Bandung in 1955. Today, India continues to advocate for South-South cooperation, recently supporting Indonesia’s entry into the BRICS alliance, a move that promises to benefit both regional and global interests.
Focus on Indo-Pacific Stability
In the face of growing geopolitical tensions, particularly between the United States and China, India and Indonesia have prioritized cooperation in maritime security, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and deradicalization.“india and Indonesia have the same grate interests, namely ensuring Indo-Pacific stability and security,” PM Modi emphasized. President Prabowo, with his military background, brings a keen focus on defense and geopolitics, further strengthening the strategic alignment between the two nations.
Key Agreements and Future Directions
| Area of Cooperation | Details |
|——————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Defense | Collaboration in manufacturing and supply chain of defense equipment. |
| Nutrition Program | Indonesia to learn from India’s free nutritious eating program. |
| Economic Cooperation | Streamlining bureaucratic processes to enhance trade and investment. |
| Indo-Pacific Security | Joint efforts in maritime security, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism. |
A New Journey of Collaboration
President Prabowo’s visit marked a new chapter in india-Indonesia relations, with both nations committed to deepening their partnership. “This visit marks a new journey to accelerate Indonesian and Indian cooperation,” Prabowo stated, inviting Indian industry players to participate in Indonesia’s growth.
As the two nations navigate the complexities of the global order, their strengthened partnership promises to foster regional stability, economic growth, and a shared vision for a better world.Indo-Pacific’s Vulnerability to Conflict: The Role of India and Indonesia in Maritime security
The Indo-Pacific region, stretching from the West Pacific to the eastern Indian Ocean, has become a focal point of geopolitical tensions, particularly due to the escalating competition between the United States and China. This strategic area, home to more than half of the world’s population and a cornerstone of global economic growth, is increasingly vulnerable to conflict. Issues such as the disputed South China Sea, the potential for armed conflict over Taiwan, and maritime security challenges like piracy and human trafficking in the Malacca Strait have heightened the region’s instability.
The Geopolitical Landscape
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The Indo-Pacific is not just the heart of the global economy but also a battleground for major powers. China’s rise as a superpower capable of balancing the United States has intensified competition, making the region a hotspot for potential conflict. The South China Sea, largely claimed by China, remains a contentious issue, while Taiwan’s status continues to be a flashpoint. Additionally, the Malacca Strait, a critical shipping lane, faces threats from piracy, smuggling, and human trafficking, further complicating the region’s security dynamics.
India and Indonesia: Strategic Maritime Partners
As two of the region’s key maritime nations, India and Indonesia have a vested interest in ensuring shipping security and stability. Recognizing this,the two countries adopted the “Joint Vision of India-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific” in 2018. This partnership underscores their commitment to deepening and expanding defense cooperation, particularly in addressing shared maritime challenges.
Indonesia’s Defense Minister, Prabowo Subianto, has emphasized the importance of this collaboration, aligning it with indonesia’s foreign policy principle of “free and active” (Polugri). This principle, rooted in the nation’s constitution, mandates Indonesia to remain unaffiliated with any major power bloc while actively contributing to global peace efforts.
Indonesia’s Free and Active Foreign Policy
Indonesia’s foreign policy, guided by the Foreign Relations Law (HUBLU) Article 3, adheres to the principle of being “free and active.” This means Indonesia is free to choose diplomatic steps that align with its national interests without external pressure, while actively participating in global peace initiatives. Prabowo has reiterated that Indonesia, as a non-aligned country, will not side with any particular axis. Instead, it will prioritize mutual respect for the sovereignty and dignity of all nations.
Prabowo’s vision positions Indonesia as a “good neighbor” in both regional and global contexts. this approach is deeply rooted in Asian values,emphasizing harmony and mutual understanding over confrontation. By fostering cooperation and dialog, Indonesia aims to play a pivotal role in conflict resolution and peace-building efforts in the Indo-Pacific.
The Path Forward
The Indo-Pacific’s strategic importance and vulnerability to conflict demand extensive management of maritime power. India and Indonesia’s partnership is a step in the right direction, but broader regional cooperation is essential to ensure stability.As Prabowo noted, “There is not a single narrative for all things,” highlighting the need for diverse perspectives and collaborative solutions.
| Key Challenges in the Indo-Pacific | Strategic Responses |
|—————————————-|————————-|
| South China Sea disputes | Diplomatic dialogue and multilateral forums |
| Taiwan’s potential for conflict | Confidence-building measures and regional cooperation |
| Maritime security threats in Malacca Strait | Enhanced defense collaboration and joint patrols |
Conclusion
The Indo-Pacific’s future hinges on the ability of regional players like India and Indonesia to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics while fostering stability. By deepening their maritime cooperation and adhering to principles of mutual respect and active diplomacy, these nations can contribute significantly to a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. As Prabowo aptly stated, Indonesia’s role as a “good neighbor” will be crucial in shaping the region’s trajectory in the years to come.The Good Neighbor Policy: A Blueprint for Mutual Respect and Regional Harmony
In a world where geopolitical tensions often dominate headlines, the concept of the Good Neighbor Policy offers a refreshing outlook on fostering mutual respect and cooperation. Rooted in the idea that “neighbors are close parties, who will help when facing difficulties,” this policy emphasizes the importance of proximity and solidarity in resolving conflicts and building trust.
The beliefs behind the Good Neighbor Policy is simple yet profound. “Neighbors who will come soon help, not siblings who live far apart.” This principle underscores the value of immediate, localized support over distant, albeit well-meaning, assistance. In the context of statecraft, this approach is believed to be a practical and effective way to address regional disputes and promote stability.
At its core, the Good Neighbor Policy advocates for an ”attitude of mutual respect and respect,” which becomes a viable option to resolve potential regional conflicts. By prioritizing dialogue and cooperation over confrontation, nations can create a foundation for lasting peace and collaboration.
Key Principles of the Good Neighbor Policy
| Principle | Description |
|—————————–|———————————————————————————|
| Proximity | neighbors are seen as the first line of support in times of difficulty. |
| Mutual Respect | An attitude of respect fosters trust and cooperation.|
| Conflict Resolution | Emphasizes dialogue and collaboration to resolve disputes.|
The Good Neighbor Policy is not just a theoretical concept but a practical framework that can be applied in various contexts. Whether in international relations or community building, its principles offer a roadmap for fostering harmony and understanding.As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the lessons of the Good neighbor Policy remain as relevant as ever. By embracing mutual respect and prioritizing local cooperation, we can build a more peaceful and resilient global community.
what are your thoughts on the Good Neighbor Policy? Share your insights and join the conversation on how we can apply these principles in our own lives and communities.
Exploring teh Good Neighbor Policy: A Conversation on Mutual Respect and Regional Harmony
Editor: Prabowo subianto, Indonesia’s Defense Minister, has emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, particularly through the lens of the “Good Neighbor Policy.” could you elaborate on how this policy aligns with Indonesia’s “free and active” foreign policy?
Guest: Absolutely.The Good Neighbor Policy is deeply rooted in the idea of mutual respect and localized support. It complements Indonesia’s “free and active” foreign policy, which prioritizes non-alignment and active participation in global peace efforts.By focusing on proximity and solidarity, Indonesia can address regional challenges without being entangled in major power rivalries. This approach fosters trust and cooperation, which are essential for maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Editor: The Indo-Pacific is a hotspot for geopolitical tensions, particularly in areas like the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. How can the Good Neighbor Policy help mitigate these conflicts?
Guest: The Good Neighbor policy emphasizes dialog and collaboration over confrontation. In contested areas like the South China Sea, this means prioritizing diplomatic channels and multilateral forums to resolve disputes. As an example, Indonesia and India’s joint maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific is a practical submission of this policy. By working together on issues like piracy and maritime security, nations can build confidence and reduce the risk of escalation. The principle of “neighbors helping neighbors” becomes particularly relevant in these high-stakes environments.
Editor: Prabowo has also highlighted the importance of mutual respect and non-alignment. How does this resonate with the broader principles of the Good Neighbor Policy?
Guest: Mutual respect and non-alignment are at the heart of both indonesia’s foreign policy and the Good Neighbor Policy. By remaining unaffiliated with any major power bloc, Indonesia can act as an impartial mediator in regional disputes. This aligns with the Good Neighbor Policy’s emphasis on resolving conflicts through dialogue and understanding. Prabowo’s vision of Indonesia as a ”good neighbor” underscores the importance of building relationships based on respect and collaboration, rather then coercion or dominance.
editor: What role do you see for India and Indonesia in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific, especially in light of their maritime partnership?
Guest: India and Indonesia are key maritime nations with a shared interest in ensuring regional stability. Their joint vision for maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific is a meaningful step toward addressing shared challenges. By enhancing defense collaboration and conducting joint patrols,these nations can strengthen maritime security and deter threats like piracy and smuggling. This partnership also sets a positive example for othre regional players,encouraging broader cooperation and collective action. Together, India and Indonesia can play a pivotal role in fostering a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Conclusion
The Good Neighbor Policy offers a practical framework for fostering mutual respect and regional harmony. By prioritizing dialogue, collaboration, and localized support, nations like Indonesia and India can address complex geopolitical challenges and contribute to stability in the Indo-Pacific. As Prabowo Subianto aptly stated, Indonesia’s role as a “good neighbor” will be crucial in shaping the region’s future.This approach not only aligns with Indonesia’s foreign policy principles but also provides a blueprint for building a more peaceful and resilient global community.