Unraveling Indonesia's Diplomacy in the
Pacific Region
Melyana
Ratana Pugu
Faculty of Social
and Political Science, Universitas Cenderawasih Jayapura, Indonesia
Email: [email protected]
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Keywords |
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ABSTRACT |
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Diplomacy, Indonesia, Pacific Region. |
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This research aims
to examine Indonesia's diplomacy in the Pacific Region, specifically during
the Joko Widodo administration, focusing on the period spanning the last two
decades. Emphasizing the significance of the Pacific Region in Indonesia's
current foreign policy, the study employs qualitative research methods,
utilizing international relations analysis, to explore diplomatic and
cooperative efforts. Data for this study are derived from extensive
literature reviews, including journals, books, regulations, and internet
sources. The findings indicate that Indonesia, through its "look
east" policy, has increasingly considered the Pacific Region pivotal for
economic development, connectivity, and security. Notably, Indonesian
diplomacy in the Pacific has evolved, with recent efforts showcased during
Indonesia's chairmanship in Asean and the Asean-43 Summit. The latter has
positioned the Pacific/Indo-Pacific Region as the Epicentrum of Growth,
emphasizing its centrality for development and connectivity with ASEAN member
countries and dialogue partner nations, such as China, Japan, and South
Korea. In conclusion, this research sheds light on the evolving nature of
Indonesia's diplomacy in the Pacific Region, offering insights into the
country's strategic approach to fostering relations, economic development,
and regional cooperation. |
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INTRODUCTION
During the Indonesian nation, since
independence in 1945, the use of regional cooperation in the Asia Pacific
Region has changed shape by global conditions and Indonesia's national
interests. At the beginning of independence, to benefit from international
recognition of Indonesian independence and the struggle against colonialism,
Indonesia participated actively in the regional forums of South and Southeast
Asia at the Asian Relations Conference in 1947 and 1949
In the administration of President
Soeharto, the use of regional cooperation was focused on economic and
development interests. To support this utilization, Indonesia carries out a
low-profile foreign policy strategy that avoids confrontation. Indonesia utilizes
participation in ASEAN to build regional stability, peace, and security to be
able to carry out development in the country
After the end of President Soeharto's
administration, the use of regional cooperation has not changed much, remaining
as a supporter of national economic growth. The utilization of regional
cooperation continues to be carried out by establishing cooperation in the
Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific Regions. The priority of cooperation is the
Pacific Region by being a dialogue partner for the Pacific Island Forum (PIF)
since 2001.
Furthermore, Indonesia participated in
the establishment of the Southwest Pacific Dialogue in 2002, becoming an
observer at the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) in 2011 which was later
upgraded to associate member status in 2015
Around the 1970s and 1980s, Indonesia
often treated the South Pacific as a "neglected backyard". Indonesia
has begun to change its relations with the Pacific region in the last 20 years
through its "Look East Policy" foreign policy, the core of which is
aid diplomacy. The purpose of this policy is to reverse Indonesia's negative
image in the Pacific region. This "Looking East" policy prioritizes
South Pacific countries such as Nauru, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Papua
New Guinea, and Fiji as development cooperation partners.
Since 1999, Indonesia has provided
capacity-building assistance through training in nine sectors, including marine
and fisheries; small and medium enterprises, economics, finance, and trade;
Energy; democracy and good governance
Between 1999 and 2016 Indonesia ran at
least 182 programs for 1,457 participants from countries in the Pacific region.
There are no official figures yet on how much budget is being used for this.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono continued this policy through the regional
organization Pacific Island Development Forum (PIDF). This
climate-change-focused partnership involves the public sector, the private
sector, and civil society, which is realized through green economy schemes
Given this historical context, it is
crucial to analyze Indonesia's diplomatic track record in the Pacific Region to
assess the benefits of its diplomacy and make predictions about its foreign
policy in the coming years. The urgency of this research is underscored by the
evolving geopolitical landscape and recent developments, emphasizing
Indonesia's role and influence in the Pacific region.
METHODS
The
method used in this study is Qualitative Research Method. David William in
Moleong's book says that qualitative research is the process of collecting data
in a natural setting, using natural methods and carried out by someone or
researcher naturally
Qualitative
Research Methods are used to describe and analyze Indonesian diplomacy in the
Pacific Region. The technique used in collecting data is through Literature
Study research by collecting secondary data through various mass media and
online, using the internet and including various reliable data through Whatsapp
groups in which there are key elements from regional actors including non-state
actors. Data obtained through documentation from various sources will be
processed, interpreted and described in words and elaborated through data
verification.
RESULTS
Indonesian Foreign
Policy
In
addition to the pandemic, the world faces various other challenges, such as
conflicts and tensions in various parts of the world, natural disasters,
refugee crisis, climate change and much more. Amid these challenges, we see
rivalries between big countries sharpening. This rivalry is also evident in the
Indo-Pacific region. This is a challenge for ASEAN.
ASEAN
needs to continue to strengthen its unity and centrality. At the same time,
ASEAN faces a political crisis in Myanmar. ASEAN has taken a unanimous stance
in Jakarta in April 2021 to help Myanmar overcome its political crisis through
a "Five-Point Consensus" so that violence can be stopped and
democracy can be restored through inclusive dialogue. ASEAN's solidity must
continue to be strengthened. ASEAN must continue its work to build the ASEAN
community and realize a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. For
the world to recover, health is high on the agenda. For this reason, health
diplomacy is Indonesia's priority in 2021. Throughout 2021, various diplomatic
steps continue to be carried out both bilaterally, regionally and multilaterally.
First,
of course, to meet the vaccine needs of the Indonesian people. By the end of
December 2021, Indonesia had injected more than 270 million doses of vaccines.
The fifth largest in the world after China, India, America and Brazil. Of all
vaccines received by Indonesia, more than 20.15 percent came from COVAX and
dose-sharing support from friendly countries. On December 22, 2021, Indonesia
has met WHO's target of fully vaccinating 40 percent of its population. The
next challenge is to meet the target of 70 per cent full vaccination of the
total population by mid-2022.
Second,
Indonesia continues fighting for equal access to vaccines for all countries. Indonesia
brings this struggle in all international forums. As one of the COVAX AMC
Engagement Group's co-chairs, Indonesia is fighting for vaccine equality. Amid
all difficulties and challenges until the 4th week of December 2021, the COVAX
Facility has successfully distributed 811 million doses of vaccines to 144
countries and entities. Going forward, COVAX will continue strengthening health
workers' distribution infrastructure, logistics and capacity in recipient
countries.
At
the regional level, as chair of the ASEAN health cooperation sector body for
2020-2021, Indonesia leads and encourages various ASEAN initiatives to overcome
pandemics and strengthen regional health security mechanisms. For 2022, health
diplomacy has become one of Indonesia's priorities. The COVID-19 pandemic has
taught people to improve national and global health security. Long-term
cooperation is needed to strengthen national health infrastructure and the
health industry, both drugs and vaccines. Indonesia must be able to produce its
own vaccines and become a hub for vaccine production in the region. Indonesia
must be able to make its own medicines and meet the raw materials for
medicines. The development of vaccine research and manufacturing networks is
also continuously encouraged, including through CEPI. At the global level, the
world's health architecture must be strengthened so that the world is better
prepared to face the threat of future pandemics. Strengthening the global
health architecture is one of the priorities of Indonesia's chairmanship of the
G-20. Indonesia will continue to encourage the strengthening of WHO's central
role in coordinating global action on health.
Indonesia
also considers the importance of a new Pandemic Treaty so that the world is
better prepared to face pandemics. Indonesia is ready to contribute
constructively to the Pandemic Treaty negotiation process. New health funding
mechanisms for developing countries should also be established. Throughout
2021, economic diplomacy will also continue to be strengthened. Economic
recovery efforts are carried out without sacrificing health aspects. It is also
important to emphasize that economic recovery efforts are also carried out by considering
the environment and SDGs.
First,
Indonesian diplomacy is working to establish a travel corridor arrangement
(TCA) to restore safe cross-border travel. The mutual recognition of
vaccination certificates and the interoperability of platforms also continue to
be explored. Intensive discussions are underway with Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi
Arabia, India, Australia, UAE, Turkey, Netherlands, Serbia, Hungary, Ukraine,
Kazakhstan and the European Union. Second, expanding market access as well as
promotion and protection of investment through, among others: The commencement
of CEPA negotiations with the UAE and the launch of CEPA with Canada and
MERCOSUR and ASEAN-Canada FTA; Indonesia also successfully concluded the
Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) negotiations with Switzerland; Entry into
force of CEPA Indonesia with EFTA, November 1, 2021; In addition, it also held several
hybrid business meetings, such as: Indonesia-Latin America and the Caribbean
(INA-LAC) Business Forum III with transactions and business potential of IDR
1.23 trillion; Indonesia-Central and Eastern Europe (INA-CEE) Business Forum
2021 with business transactions worth IDR 44 billion;
Indonesia
also participated in Dubai Expo 2020 and investment commitments during the
President's visit to the UAE amounted to US$ 44.6 billion; The diplomacy that
we carry out also strengthens the strategic presence / outbound investment of
Indonesian SOEs and private companies abroad, among others, through the BUMN Go
Global program; Indonesia also strengthens strategic industries such as health,
medicinal raw materials, defense industry, petrochemicals and renewable energy;
Diplomacy is also driven to fight for fair-treatment for Indonesian commodities
including palm oil; Third, diplomacy strengthens the digital economy, creative
economy and green economy, among others, through: Organizing the ASEAN Creative
Economy Business Forum (ACEBF) within the framework of the ASEAN Comprehensive
Recovery Framework (ACRF); The promotion of green economy investment and energy
transition was carried out with British businesses on the sidelines of the
COP26 meeting in Glasgow which resulted in an investment commitment of US $
9.29 billion dollars; French Government energy transition project funding
commitment of EUR 500 million; In the field of economic diplomacy, fourth,
diplomacy is also driven to strengthen Pacific Elevation policies in the
Pacific, including through the virtual holding of the 2nd Pacific Exposition in
October 2021 which was visited by more than 11 thousand people with trade
transactions worth US $ 104 million dollars; Fifth, strengthening development
cooperation, through grant support to eleven friendly countries, namely
Afghanistan, Antigua and Barbuda, India, Madagascar, Mozambique, Palau,
Suriname, Timor Leste, PNG, Zimbabwe and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. With
a focus on cooperation on empowering women, increasing the digital literacy of
MSMEs, utilizing agricultural technology and mitigating the impact of climate
change.
For
2022, global economic recovery efforts, as they have been passed, still face
various challenges. The implementation of economic diplomacy will continue to
be strengthened, among others, though, first:
- Strengthening
access to national strategic industrial products such as health, railways,
defence industry, shipping to Asia, the Middle East and Africa
- Organizing
the Pacific Forum for Development to enhance development cooperation in
the Pacific in a more structured manner which was carried out in November
2022 in Bali;
- Then
increase engagement with investors abroad to strengthen partnerships with
Indonesia's Sovereign Wealth Fund.
- Strengthening
partnerships to support the energy transition, green and sustainable
economy
- Then,
continue efforts to accelerate the completion of various CEPA
negotiations, among others, with the UAE and the European Union. Turkey
and Chile
- At
the multilateral level, diplomacy is carried out to continue to encourage
a fairer and more transparent international trading system.
The
pandemic also presents its own challenges for the protection of Indonesian
citizens. Protection machines continue to be strengthened to help Indonesian
citizens abroad. If, in early 2020, the evacuation of Wuhan presented a very
high challenge, then in 2021, the evacuation from Kabul also had a very high difficulty
level.
In
2021, as many as 33 people (26 Indonesian citizens and 7 foreigners) were
evacuated from Kabul; more than 73 thousand people were facilitated with
repatriation, including 1,300 crew members; nearly 240 thousand basic food aid
was distributed; 7 Indonesian citizens were exempted from the death penalty; 4
Indonesian citizens released from hostage-taking; more than Rp79.3 billion of
financial rights saved; and vaccine facilities for 88,637 Indonesian citizens
were given in various regions of the world. The government also strengthens the
protection system by strengthening infrastructure to establishing bilateral
cooperation and norm settings at the multilateral level. For 2022, with
the high complexity of protection cases, the main focus of protection diplomacy
will be given with the focus: First, accelerating digital transformation
through:
- Strengthening
the Integrated Data Operating Centre (IDOC) to manage Big Data on
protection
- Integration
of the Safe Travel Application with the Peduli Lindungi Application to
increase a sense of security when Indonesian citizens travel during a
pandemic.
- Development
of preliminary data on overseas voters for the 2024 Election
Second, we will improve infrastructure and human resources protection through: - Construction
of Indonesian Seafarers' Corner in Busan, South Korea.
- Improving
the quality of infrastructure and shelter governance in the Indonesian
Representative.
- Strengthening
the capacity of gender-responsive diplomats
Third, the development of legal
frameworks and cooperation at the national and international levels through:
- MoU
on information system integration between Ministries/Agencies
- MoU
on PMI Placement and Protection
- Finalization
of IMO-ILO Guidelines for handling cases of seafarer neglect
- Strengthen
migrant worker protection standards within the UN framework.
Diplomats
also continue to work to strengthen Sovereignty Diplomacy, of which border
negotiations are an important element. In 2021, 17 negotiations were held with
the Philippines, Malaysia, Palau and Vietnam.
What
is interesting to note is that the number of negotiations carried out during
the pandemic has doubled compared to 2020 which was only 7 times. In 2022,
efforts to accelerate the intensity of land and maritime border negotiations
will continue to be increased.
- For
maritime boundaries: With Malaysia, it is expected that the Territorial
Sea Boundary Agreement on the Sulawesi Sea segment and the Southern
Malacca Strait segment can be signed
- With
Palau, negotiations at the Technical Team level for EEZ boundary lines
will continue with the target of reaching a partial agreement.
- With
the Philippines, there are two plans: starting negotiations on the
delimitation of the continental shelf at the Technical Level and following
up on the agreement to demarcate the continental shelf and EEZ into two
different boundary lines.
- With
Viet Nam, continuing negotiations at the Technical Team level to obtain an
EEZ boundary line agreement. Maritime boundary negotiations are, of
course, always based on UNCLOS 1982.
In
particular, it would like to emphasize one principle related to sovereignty and
sovereign rights in Indonesian waters that any claim by any party must be made
in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS 1982. And Indonesia will
continue rejecting claims without an internationally recognized legal basis.
As for land boundaries in 2022,
priority will be given including:
- Malaysia
demarcated the Eastern sector of Outstanding Boundary Problems (OBP),
including Sebatik Island.
- With
Timor Leste, completing the remaining 2 (two) Unresolved Segments in
accordance with the "Agreed Principles" agreed in 2019.
The
two negotiating teams also agreed that maritime boundary negotiations would
begin after the land boundary was completed. In addition to fighting for
national interests, Indonesian diplomacy is carried out to contribute to peace
and humanity in the region and the world. On this occasion, I would like to
express our gratitude for the support and trust IORA member countries gave
during the selection of the new IORA Secretary General. Ambassador Salman Al
Farisi has been elected as Secretary General of IORA for the 2022-2024 term.
Indonesia hopes that IORA can contribute to building a strong Indian Ocean to
create a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
The
implementation of diplomacy in the region or the world has begun with
Afghanistan. Towards the close of 2021, the Foreign Minister attended the OIC
Foreign Ministers' Extraordinary Session on the humanitarian situation in
Afghanistan. Considering Afghanistan's deteriorating humanitarian situation,
Indonesia was among the initiators of the meeting. Indonesia's position has
always been consistent, wanting to see Afghanistan peaceful, stable and
prosperous. In Indonesia's engagement with the Taliban, Indonesia continues to
encourage that the promises made on August 16, 2021, can be fulfilled,
including respect for women's rights. At the instigation of Indonesia, a
Roadmap for the fulfilment of Taliban commitments has been included in the
Resolution of the OIC meeting. In the humanitarian sector, Indonesia also
continues to be committed to contributing. Two Indonesian planes will soon
arrive in Afghanistan in cooperation with UN agencies, carrying food and
nutrition aid for the Afghan people. In 2022, Indonesia has continued to focus
on education and empowerment issues for Afghan women, including through the
provision of Education scholarships.
Second,
regarding peacekeeping missions. Indonesia's participation in peacekeeping
missions has never subsided. Currently, more than 2,800 Indonesian personnel
serve in eight UN peacekeeping missions. Indonesia is the 7th largest
contributor to UN peacekeeping forces worldwide, up from 8th place over the
past three years. The percentage of Indonesian female peacekeepers rose from
5.9 per cent in 2020 to 6.7 per cent in 2021. Indonesia is also active in drafting
norms and governance of UN Peace Missions. Indonesia is one of the Chairs of
the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of UN Peacekeeping, launched in
April 2021. This is an initiative to ensure increased security and safety of
peacekeepers.
To
advance the issue of Women, Peace and Security, Indonesia, together with the
Southeast Asia Network of Women Peace Negotiators and Mediators, has organized
a Regional Forum of Women Peace Negotiators and Mediators. The regional network
joined the Global Alliances of Regional Women Mediator Networks in April 2021
as the 6th member and the only Asian representative. For 2022, Indonesia has
sent 5 (five) military Task Forces with a total of 950 personnel and one police
Task Force with a total of 198 personnel. Indonesia will also organize various peacekeepers'
training and capacity-building programs, including under the UN Triangular
Partnership Project (TPP) scheme.
Third,
in the field of human rights and democracy. Throughout 2021, Indonesia has been
a penholder or sponsor of various resolutions related to the rights of the
Palestinian people and Rohingya, human rights issues, and business activities.
Indonesia has also held various activities in encouraging the promotion of
human rights in the region, among others, through:
- Regional
Conference on Business and Human Rights 2021
- Second
Regional Conference on Humanitarian Assistance
ASEAN
Human Rights Dialogue, which has been on hiatus for the last 6 years and
Indonesia successfully held it again last year. In addition, Indonesia also
held the 14th Bali Democracy Forum in 2021. Secretary Blinken and State
Councillor Wang Yi participated in the 2021 Bali Democracy Forum. BDF is a form
of Indonesia's commitment to continue to advance democracy and human rights in
the region and globally. Our commitment to democracy goes beyond our
borders. For 2022, in the field of human rights, Indonesia, among others, has
held a Regional Conversation on Human Rights and a Regional Seminar on
Anti-Torture and Indonesia will also again submit a Progress Report on the
implementation of its Human Rights Fulfillment through the 4th Cycle Universal
Periodic Review (UPR).
Fourth,
regarding ASEAN. it has been almost a year since the political crisis occurred
in Myanmar. If this situation continues, it will not only disrupt stability and
security in Myanmar but also ASEAN and the wider region. From the beginning,
Indonesia has continued to show commitment to contribute. At the proposal of
the President of Indonesia, the ASEAN Para-Leaders Meeting was held in Jakarta
in April 2021 and resulted in a "Five-Point Consensus".
As
mentioned earlier, the "Five-Point Consensus" will guide ASEAN in
helping resolve the political crisis in Myanmar. If there is no progress on implementing
the "Five-Point Consensus", it will be difficult for ASEAN to invite political-level
representatives from Myanmar to the ASEAN meeting. ASEAN must uphold this
shared commitment. The safety and well-being of the people of Myanmar have
also always been a concern for Indonesia. In this context, Indonesia has
provided humanitarian assistance. Aircraft carrying humanitarian aid were
delivered in September 2021, as part of ASEAN's humanitarian assistance.
For
2022, Indonesia has sought to strengthen ASEAN's centrality and solidity. ASEAN
must continue to serve as an anchor of stability, peace and prosperity in the
Indo-Pacific region. ASEAN must remain relevant and respond appropriately to
new challenges in the region and the world. And ASEAN must continue to benefit
its people.
For
this reason, Indonesia will continue to encourage concrete cooperation in the
implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific with partner countries.
Indonesia will also encourage the High-Level Task Force also to work to
strengthen ASEAN institutions as an integral part of the discussion of the
ASEAN Community's Post-2025 Vision.
Fifth,
regarding the G20. Indonesia's presidency at the G20 has started running from
December 1, 2021 to November 30, 2022. In 2022, Indonesia's diplomatic work
will be used to support the success of Indonesia's presidency at the
G-20. Inclusiveness is the spirit of Indonesia's presidency. Indonesia
wants the G20 to catalyse global recovery and concrete cooperation that
benefits developing countries. For this reason, the Indonesian Presidency at
the G-20 is focused on strengthening the global health architecture, energy
transition, and digital transformation. The Indonesian presidency will be run
with high transparency to achieve maximum results. As stated by President
Widodo, Indonesia will warmly welcome all G20 delegates at more than 150
meetings. The Foreign Minister said that diplomacy will continue to work under
any circumstances. The focus remains on supporting the recovery process for the
health and economic sectors. Protection diplomacy will be strengthened by using
technological innovation.
The
rivalry challenge between major powers is not expected to decrease, including
in the Indo-Pacific region. This is where implementing Indonesia's free and
active foreign policy will be more relevant. This is where a solid ASEAN is
needed. Indonesia will continue to be active in peace and humanitarian
diplomacy, including in Afghanistan, for our Rohingya brothers and the
resolution of the political crisis in Myanmar. Indonesia's commitment to help
the Palestinian people's struggle will continue. Indonesia will use its
chairmanship of the G20 to contribute more to the world's efforts to narrow the
gap between developed and developing countries in health and economic recovery.
In
addition, commitment to environmental issues and climate change will continue
to be strengthened by paying attention to meeting the SDGs target. Thus, no
party or country is left behind. Quoting President Joko Widodo at the
reception of Indonesia's G20 Presidency in October 2020 in Rome: "Joint
efforts for world economic recovery, inclusive, people-centred, environmentally
friendly and sustainable growth must be carried out in extraordinary ways,
especially through stronger world collaboration and continuous
innovation." According to Melu Retno, Indonesia must strengthen
cooperation and solidarity for a peaceful, stable and prosperous
world. Recover Together, Recover Stronger.
Indonesia's Diplomacy in the Pacific
Region
The Indonesian Ambassador to New Zealand in
2021, Samoa, the Kingdom of Tonga, the Cook Islands and Niue who also serves as
the Roving Indonesian Ambassador to the Pacific, Tantowi Yahya delivered a
presentation on Indonesia's Priorities in the Pacific at an academic meeting
organized by the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA).
Representatives from the Kingdom of Tonga, Cook Islands, Nieu, academics,
students, observers, politicians, and diplomats were present in Wellington, New
Zealand. Ambassador Tantowi discussed Indonesia's priorities for the Pacific
region. He explained Indonesia's relationship with the Pacific from
geographical, historical, social, and cultural perspectives. "Indonesia is
part of the Pacific, so, naturally, we want to participate in the dynamics in
this region," he said.
Former
Ambassador Tantowi also expressed Indonesia's desire to improve economic
relations and cooperation and increase human resource capacity. The Pacific is
a potential market for Indonesian products and an investment destination for
Indonesian investors. Meanwhile, Indonesia is also a large market for Pacific
products. Indonesia also held the largest and most comprehensive trade,
investment and tourism exhibition, the Pacific Exposition to open markets. This
activity is carried out every two years and is clear proof of Indonesia's
helping countries in the Pacific. The Pacific Elevation program, which is a
refinement of the previously run Pacific Engagement, was launched by the
Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi in Auckland, New Zealand
in July 2019. Foreign Minister Retno said this program was not to compete but
wanted to complement it. Through this program, Indonesia is committed to
helping economic development to improve the welfare of people in the Pacific.
The
Indo-Pacific region has a strategic role for ASEAN countries. In order to
expand cooperation, the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum was held at the 43rd ASEAN
Summit. According to Deputy Foreign Minister Pahala Mansury, in addition to
cooperation, the forum also emphasized ASEAN centrality, especially related to
green infrastructure, manufacturing, resilience, and digitalization to the
creative economy.
Over
the past two decades, Indonesia has provided developing countries in the
Pacific with assistance, as a diplomatic tool, with one aim to secure
territorial integrity – particularly on the issue of Papuan separatism.
According to Deputy Foreign Minister Pahala that he was involved in a study on
the role of Indonesia's aid diplomacy in rebuilding, restoring and improving
its image in Pacific countries, such as Nauru, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands,
Kiribati, Papua New Guinea and Fiji. The study found that aid diplomacy could
relatively increase Indonesia's influence in the South Pacific. The diplomatic
effort also had an impact on the declining support of several countries in the
region for Papuan separatism.
Geographically,
the South Pacific region is located to the east of Indonesia. There are twelve
countries (Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands,
Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomons, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu), two
non-sovereign territories (Cook Islands, and Nieu), and several dependent
territories (such as American Samoa, French Polynesia, Guam Hawaii, New
Caledonia, Norfolk Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Wallis and Futuna, and
Tokelau) stretching over the Pacific Ocean). This area is directly adjacent to
the easternmost region of Indonesia. Pacific residents share Melanesian race
and culture with 10% of Indonesian Melanesian ethnicity spread across the
provinces of East Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, North Maluku, West Papua, and Papua.
In
general, countries in the Pacific region view Indonesia with its vast area and
large population with suspicion and insecurity. For small countries in the
Pacific, Indonesia's large territory brings potential security concerns.
Pacific countries are mini-states in size (mostly under 1,000 square
kilometers) and sparsely populated. Indonesia's poor record of military
aggression, such as the "Ganyang Malaysia" campaign and the
annexation of East Timor, as well as human rights abuses in Papua, contributed
to Pacific countries' suspicion and insecurity towards Indonesia. Some Pacific
countries, such as Vanuatu, Nauru and Tuvalu support morally and diplomatically
for Papuan independence.
The
ethnic similarity of Melanesian peoples underlies the continued support of the
South Pacific for Papuan independence. Indonesia's aid diplomacy has long
ignored the Pacific region because it is too focused on ASEAN - Indonesia is
one of the founders of this association of Southeast Asian countries. Around
the decade of the 70s and 80s, Indonesia often treated the South Pacific as a
"neglected backyard". Indonesia has begun to change its relations
with the Pacific region in the last 20 years through its "Look East
Policy" foreign policy, the core of which is aid diplomacy. This policy
aims to reverse Indonesia's negative image in the Pacific region. This
"Looking East" policy prioritizes South Pacific countries such as
Nauru, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea and Fiji as
development cooperation partners.
Since
1999, Indonesia has provided capacity-building assistance through training in
nine sectors, including marine and fisheries; small and medium enterprises;
economics, finance, and trade; Energy; democracy and good governance. This
program attracted many participants so that it was continued and modified and
the scope increased to 10 sectors, including disaster risk management, tourism,
women's empowerment, education, culture, and training, and public works.
Between
1999 and 2016, Indonesia ran at least 182 programs for 1,457 participants from
countries in the Pacific region. There are no official figures yet on how much
budget is being used for this. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono continued
this policy through the regional organization Pacific Island Development Forum
(PIDF). This climate-change-focused partnership involves the public, private,
and civil society, which is realized through green economy schemes. Indonesia's
assistance channelled through PIDF is considered in accordance with the needs
of low-lying Pacific Island countries, such as Kiribati, Tuvalu, and the
Marshall Islands, that are threatened with sinking due to climate change.
In
2016, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo continued the policy by
strengthening Indonesia's commitment after the 2nd PIDF Summit – Jokowi has
used no official budget figure report. One indication of the success of
Indonesia's diplomacy in the Pacific is the elevation of its membership status
in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) from observer status obtained in 2013
to associate member in 2015. The MSG is an exclusive group whose members
consist of ethnically Melanesian countries.
Indonesia's
intensive diplomacy to the Pacific resulted in a change in attitude from
several countries, such as Tuvalu, Kiribati and Nauru, who initially opposed
Indonesian territorial control over Papua. Only Vanuatu still insists on
rejecting Indonesia's membership because it believes that the United Liberation
Movement for West Papua is more worthy of being a member of the MSG. Still, in
reality the August 2023 MSG Summit also rejected UMLPW as a member of the MSG. This
certainly provides good for the foreign relations of Indonesia and Vanuatu. As
in July 2023, Indonesia has assisted in the construction of airport buildings
for the country of Vanuatu in addition to other humanitarian assistance that
Indonesia provided in March 2023 when cyclones Judy and Kevin occurred in the
Vanuatu region.
In
an economic context, Indonesia also links the MSG and Asia, enabling Pacific
countries to benefit from Asia's fast-growing economies. After more than 50
years of receiving development aid, Indonesia now also plays a role as a donor
country, even though the amount of aid is relatively small and limited.
Indonesia's
assistance to the Pacific region has a strategic objective for the central
government in Jakarta which is interested in gaining the support of countries
in the region to secure its territorial integrity. It is foreseeable that
Indonesia's aid diplomacy will continue to be carried out and increase in the
coming year.
CONCLUSION
Indonesia's
extensive two-decade relationship and diplomatic engagement in the Pacific
Region have significantly influenced its foreign policy and strategic
positioning. The current perspective recognizes the Pacific region, including
the Indo-Pacific, as strategically vital, requiring careful maintenance and
adherence to established norms due to its density and rapid economic
activities. While partnerships with Pacific countries have been generally
fruitful, acknowledging challenges, particularly concerning human rights
violations in Papua and security issues, is essential for sustaining and
strengthening diplomatic ties. The traces of diplomacy in the region, marked by
humanitarian and technical assistance, form a robust foundation. As Indonesia
assumes the chair of ASEAN in 2023, it is crucial to deepen cooperation within
ASEAN and extend collaborative efforts to Pacific nations and key partners like
China, South Korea, and Japan. A more comprehensive conclusion should summarize
key achievements, explicitly address challenges, and articulate specific
strategies while emphasizing the economic dimension and providing a
forward-looking perspective, as Indonesia's diplomatic endeavors in the Pacific
Region continue to shape the region's growth and stability in the foreseeable
future.
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