Kebijakan Luar Negeri & Strategi Indonesia di Kawasan Asia Pasifik

I. Kebijakan Luar Negeri RI

Kebijakan luar negeri suatu negara merupakan produk dari berbagai faktor dan kondisi baik yang bersifat tetap maupun berubah untuk suatu waktu tertentu. Sebagai bagian dari kebijakan nasional, kebijakan luar negeri jelas merupakan bagian dari kebijakan pemerintah yang direncanakan dan dilaksanakan demi kepentingan nasional, di mana kepentingan nasional tersebut pada dasarnya terbagi atas dua faktor yaitu faktor tetap dan berubah yang dikaitkan dengan waktu dan totalitas bangsa.

Faktor-faktor yang tetap itu pada umumnya diputuskan sesuai dengan sistem politik dan koridor konstitusinya, yang menyangkut perlindungan bangsa seperti kemerdekaan politik, kemampuan memelihara kesatuan wilayah dan penduduk, dan keselamatan lembaga-lembaga masyarakat dan negara untuk tumbuh berkembang. Muatan dari faktor tetap tersebut dapat turut memuat sejumlah unsur prinsipil seperti mitos nasional dan falsafah negara yang disetujui rakyat.

Sementara itu, faktor-faktor yang berubah diputuskan oleh eksekutif karena tekanan-tekanan kebutuhan baik oleh pemerintah itu sendiri, oleh badan legislatif atau oleh berbagai kelompok masyarakat yang berkepentingan yang dapat mempengaruhi para pembuat keputusan.

Kepentingan nasional sebagai kebijakan pemerintah yang diyakini dan dilaksanakan untuk melindungi kehidupan dan penghidupan bangsa dan negara agar dapat bertahan, berkembang dan tumbuh terus dalam percaturan internasional. Hal itu jelas berbeda dengan kepentingan golongan, walaupun demikian, terdapat kepentingan golongan besar dari masyarakat yang dari waktu ke waktu dapat mempengaruhi kebijakan pemerintah menjadi kepentingan nasional.

Pada saat ini, kebijakan luar negeri Indonesia pada tahun 2006 merupakan bagian dari kebijakan pemerintahan Kabinet Indonesia Bersatu (2004-2009), yang diabdikan bagi kepentingan nasional sebagaimana diamanatkan dalam Pembukaan Undang-Undang Dasar 1945, yaitu untuk melindungi segenap bangsa dan tumpah darah Indonesia, mencerdaskan kehidupan bangsa, memajukan kesejahteraan umum dan ikut melaksanakan ketertiban dunia yang berdasarkan kemerdekaan, perdamaian abadi dan keadilan sosial.

Untuk memastikan tercapainya tujuan nasional, Departemen Luar Negeri menekankan pada kerja sama diplomatik dengan negara-negara di dunia internasional dalam seri lingkaran konsentris (concentric circles) yang terdiri dari: Lingkaran pertama yaitu, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) yang merupakan pilar utama bangsa Indonesia dalam menjalankan politik luar negerinya. Kemudian yang berada pada lingkaran konsentris kedua adalah ASEAN + 3 (Jepang, China, Korea Selatan). Di luar hal tersebut, Indonesia juga mengadakan hubungan kerja sama yang intensif dengan Amerika Serikat dan Uni Eropa yang merupakan partner utama ekonomi Indonesia. Indonesia juga mengakui pentingnya menggalang kerja sama dengan like-minded developing countries. Itulah yang menyebabkan Indonesia secara aktif ikut serta dalam keanggotaan Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the Group of 77 (G-77) dan the Group of 15 (G-15). Dengan forum-forum tersebut Indonesia dapat menerapkan diplomasinya untuk memperkuat usaha bersama dalam rangka menjembatani kesenjangan antara negara-negara berkembang dengan negara-negara maju. Sementara itu, pada level global, Indonesia mengharapkan dan menekankan secara konsisten penguatan multilateralisme melalui PBB, khususnya dalam menyelesaikan segala permasalahan perdamaian dan keamanan dunia. Indonesia juga menolak segala keputusan unilateral yang diambil di luar kerangka kerja PBB.

Menghadapi tatanan dunia yang semakin berubah dengan cepatnya, semakin disadari perlunya untuk mengembangkan kelenturan dan keluwesan dalam pelaksanaan kebijakan luar negeri agar dapat memanfaatkan berbagai tantangan dan peluang era baru secara maksimal. Sehubungan dengan hal tersebut, Presiden Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono dalam pidato kuncinya pada bulan Mei 2005 telah memperkenalkan suatu konsep baru yaitu kebijakan luar negeri “konstruktivis”, yang pada intinya dimaksudkan untuk mengembangkan tiga macam kondisi dalam pelaksanaan kebijakan luar negeri Indonesia yaitu: (1) pola pikir positif dalam mengelola kerumitan permasalahan luar negeri; (2) konektivitas yang sehat dalam urusan-urusan internasional; dan (3) identitas internasional yang solid bagi Indonesia yang didasarkan pada pencapaian-pencapaian domestik dan diplomatiknya.

Pelaksanaan diplomasi Indonesia harus secara konsisten menerapkan prinsip-prinsip bebas dan aktif yang merupakan karakter kebijakan luar negeri Indonesia. Penerapan politik luar negeri (polugri) bebas - aktif tersebut juga harus disesuaikan dengan perubahan lingkungan strategis baik di tingkat global maupun regional yang sangat mempengaruhi penekanan kebijakan luar negeri Indonesia. Polugri Indonesia didesain untuk mampu mempertemukan kepentingan nasional Indonesia dengan lingkungan internasional yang selalu berubah. Tidak dapat dipungkiri perlunya polugri yang luwes dan flexible untuk menghadapi segala tantangan dimaksud. Perubahan lingkungan internasional tersebut tidak hanya disebabkan oleh dinamika hubungan antar negara tetapi juga perubahan isu, dan munculnya aktor baru dalam hubungan internasional yang berupa non-state actors.

Diplomasi Indonesia yang dilaksanakan oleh Departemen Luar Negeri (Deplu) turut mengaktualisasikan program dan prioritas Kabinet Indonesia Bersatu yang pada intinya adalah melakukan diplomasi total untuk ikut mewujudkan Indonesia yang bersatu, lebih aman dan damai, adil, demokratis dan sejahtera. Dalam lingkup tugas dan kompetensi utama Deplu sebagai penyelenggara hubungan luar negeri, Deplu berupaya melibatkan seluruh komponen pemangku kepentingan untuk mempertahankan Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia dan menerapkan agenda utama yang ditetapkan pemerintahan Presiden Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Adapun penjabaran dari visi Deplu di atas terumuskan dalam tujuh butir pernyataan misi yang kami sebut sebagai “Sapta Dharma Caraka”, yaitu: (1) Memelihara dan meningkatkan dukungan internasional terhadap keutuhan wilayah dan kedaulatan Indonesia; (2) membantu pencapaian Indonesia sejahtera melalui kerja sama pembangunan dan ekonomi, promosi dagang dan investasi, kesempatan kerja dan alih tekonologi; (3) meningkatkan peranan dan kepemimpinan Indonesia dalam proses integrasi ASEAN, peran aktif di Asia-Pasifik, membangun kemitraan strategis baru Asia-Afrika serta hubungan antar sesama negara berkembang; (4) memperkuat hubungan dan kerja sama bilateral, regional dan internasional di segala bidang dan meningkatkan prakarsa dan kontribusi Indonesia dalam pencapaian keamanan dan perdamaian internasional serta memperkuat multilateralisme; (5) meningkatkan citra Indonesia di masyarakat internasional sebagai negara demokratis, pluralis, menghormati hal asasi manusia, dan memajukan perdamaian dunia; (6) meningkatkan pelayanan dan perlindungan Warga Negara Indonesia (WNI) di luar negeri serta melancarkan diplomasi kemanusiaan guna mendukung tanggap darurat dan rekontruksi Aceh dan Nias dari bencana gempa dan tsunami; (7) melanjutkan benah diri untuk peningkatan kapasitas kelembagaan, budaya kerja dan profesionalisme pelaku diplomasi serta peranan utama dalam koordinasi penyelenggaraan kebijakan dan hubungan luar negeri.


II. Potret Lingkungan Regional

Proses integrasi negara-negara kawasan Asia Timur semakin berkembang pesat. Hal ini tidak terlepas dari peran penting ASEAN sebagai organisasi regional di kawasan Asia Tenggara. Rangkaian Konferensi Tingkat Tinggi (KTT) ASEAN IX telah menyepakati pembentukan ASEAN Community pada tahun 2020 yang bersendikan pada tiga pilar (komunitas ekonomi, politik keamanan dan sosial budaya), serta kesepakatan mengenai rencana-rencana aksi untuk masing-masing pilar tersebut. Selain itu, KTT ASEAN + 3 di Vientiene juga telah menghasilkan kesepakatan untuk memprakarsai penyelenggaraan KTT Asia Timur (East Asian Summit) pertama yang telah diadakan di Malaysia pada tahun 2005 lalu. Hal tersebut telah menegaskan ASEAN sebagai pemegang peran kendali (driving seat) dalam proses integrasi di kawasan Asia Timur.

Masalah seputar kontrol sumber daya strategis di Kawasan Asia Timur mendapatkan perhatian khusus dikarenakan beberapa alasan. Pertama, pasca perang dingin, konflik atas sumber alam terutama minyak dan gas bumi semakin menonjol dibandingkan konflik ideologi antar negara, karena bahan bakar migas tetap menjadi kebutuhan utama negara-negara untuk mempertahankan pertumbuhan ekonomi mereka yang berbasis industri. Mengingat pentingnya komoditas tersebut, maka pemerintah-pemerintah menjadi berkewajiban untuk mengamankan sumber pasokan migas, menimbun, dan mendistribusikannya dengan harga yang dapat diterima di dalam negeri mereka. Terdapatnya konflik teritorial antara beberapa negara Asia Timur di wilayah-wilayah yang diduga kaya cadangan migas seperti Kepulauan Spratly dan Ambalat menunjukkan betapa sensitifnya mereka pada kebutuhan dimaksud.

Kawasan Asia Timur di mana Asia Tenggara dan Indonesia termasuk di dalamnya merupakan kawasan yang dinamis. Di bidang ekonomi, pertumbuhan China selamat 15 tahun terakhir yang sangat cepat telah membawa dampak yang positif bagi negara-negara di sekitarnya, yang ikut memiliki peluang. Selain Jepang dan Korea Selatan, India juga merupakan negara yang memiliki ekonomi besar. Kebangkitan ekonomi India dalam dua tahun terakhir telah menciptakan dinamika baru dalam tata hubungan antara hubungan ekonomi di negara-negara ini, yang pada akhirnya akan mempengaruhi hubungan-hubungan politik dan keamanan serta proses kerja sama dan integrasi kawasan.

Mengenai hal yang berkaitan dengan penciptaan keamanan dan stabilitas di Selat Malaka, terdapat upaya diplomasi untuk menyamakan persepsi antar tiga negara di tepian Selat Malaka (Indonesia, Singapura dan Malaysia) tentang keseluruhan permasalahan yang sedang dihadapi, yang meliputi masalah keamanan, keselamatan pelayaran dan perlindungan lingkungan hidup. Pengamanan dalam arti luas tersebut meliputi tidak hanya perampokan di perairan Selat, tetapi juga penyelundupan dan perdagangan ilegal lainnya. Dalam pertemuan ketiga Menlu (Indonesia, Singapura, dan Malaysia) di Batam 1 Agustus 2005 yang digagas Indonesia, dicapai persepsi bersama tentang lingkup permasalahan di atas dan disepakati untuk memajukan kerja sama internasional dengan negara pengguna selat atas dasar prinsip ”burden sharing” khususnya dalam membantu peningkatan kapasitas ketiga negara selat.


III. Pelaksanaan Kebijakan Luar Negeri

1. Indonesia dan ASEAN

Sering disebutkan bahwa ASEAN merupakan pilar utama bagi politik luar negeri Indonesia. Itu artinya bahwa ASEAN berfungsi sebagai kendaraan utama bagi Indonesia untuk melaksanakan hubungan luar negeri atau kerja sama negara-negara kawasan Asia Tenggara dalam rangka pencapaian tujuan nasional. Melalui ASEAN, Indonesia juga dapat memproyeksikan norma dasarnya –prinsip regional resilience and non-interference- terhadap wilayah sekitar kawasan. Oleh karena itu, lingkungan yang kondusif dapat diciptakan secara kolektif untuk kemajuan ekonomi bersama.

Sejak awal berdirinya ASEAN, Indonesia telah mempromosikan suatu bentuk kehidupan masyarakat regional di Asia Tenggara yang menjunjung tinggi nilai-nilai saling menghormati, tidak mencampuri urusan dalam negeri negara lain, penolakan penggunaan kekerasan serta konsultasi dan mengutamakan konsensus dalam proses pengambilan keputusan. Indonesia juga memiliki peran penting dalam pembentukan beberapa perjanjian dan modalitas di ASEAN antara lain Declaration on Zone of Peace, Freedom, and Neutrality (ZOPFAN, 1971), ASEAN Concord (1976), ASEAN Declaration on South China Sea (1992), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF, 1995) dan ASEAN Community (2003)

Walaupun terdapat perbedaan budaya, kondisi geografis, sistem politik dan tingkat kesejahteraan, negara-negara anggota ASEAN telah menunjukan kesamaan etikad dalam mengutamakan kerja sama untuk mencapai keuntungan dan kemakmuran bersama. Berdasarkan hal ini, diplomasi luar negeri Indonesia di era globalisasi harus dapat membangun dan memelihara kerja sama yang lebih luas dan efektif untuk memperoleh kemajuan yang subtantif dalam penyelesaian konflik dan integrasi ekonomi di kawasan Asia Tenggara.

Berdasarkan kondisi alamnya, kemampuan ekonomi dan kemauan politiknya untuk bergabung dalam proses regional, Indonesia akan terus memainkan peran strategis demi kemajuan dan terciptanya integrasi ASEAN. Peranan Indonesia di Asia Tenggara diperkuat dengan partisipasinya untuk menyelesaikan konflik di Kamboja dan Filipina Selatan serta ikut menjadi anggota dalam pasukan perdamaian PBB. Indonesia juga memiliki inisiatif untuk melaksanakan diplomasi kemanusiaan dan turut serta dalam proses pembentukan Masyarakat Asia Timur.

Konferensi Tingkat Tinggi Asia Timur (East Asia Summit) yang diadakan pada tanggal 14 Desember 2005 dihadiri oleh 10 negara ASEAN dan enam negara kunci di kawasan yaitu Australia, China, India, Jepang, Korea Selatan dan Selandia Baru dan telah menghasilkan kesepakatan bersama untuk membangun suatu masyarakat regional Asia Timur. Kerja sama tersebut akan ditingkatkan dengan tujuan strategis bersama untuk mendorong terbentuknya perdamaian, stabilitas dan kemajuan ekonomi di kawasan. Meskipun pertemuan tersebut merupakan cerminan dari bertemunya berbagai macam kepentingan untuk membentuk suatu komunitas, namun masih terdapat perbedaan atas pengertian “komunitas” itu sendiri. Ada pihak yang mengartikannya sebagai “komunitas free single market” adapula yang menginginkannya sebagai forum regional untuk konsultasi politik dan kerja sama keamanan. Sementara itu, Indonesia dan beberapa negara lainnya memaknai “Masyarakat Asia Timur” sebagai kelompok negara-negara yang mengedepankan isu politik, ekonomi dan sosial budaya, sesuai dengan apa yang direkomendasikan oleh East Asian Vision Group sebagai evolusi wajar dari ASEAN + 3.

Di masa mendatang, partisipasi aktif Indonesia dalam pembentukan East Asia Community seharusnya lebih mengukuhkan posisi Indonesia sebagai pasar yang paling dinamis di dunia. Keterlibatan Indonesia akan membantu memelihara lingkungan yang kondusif di Asia Timur karena KTT tersebut mengakomodasi berbagai negara besar di kawasan dengan cara melibatkan mereka dalam sebuah proses pembuatan keputusan yang kolektif dan berbasis pada konsensus. Lebih jauh lagi, terbuka peluang bagi Indonesia untuk meningkatkan profilnya dalam kelompok negara-negara ini dengan cara mengambil inisiatif dalam mengatasi berbagai kekhawatiran di kawasan ini, khususnya yang menyangkut penyelesaian konflik, kerja sama energi dan diplomasi kemanusiaan.


2. Hubungan Bilateral Indonesia dengan Negara-Negara di Kawasan Asia – Pasifik

Asia Tenggara
Hubungan luar negeri Indonesia dengan negara-negara Asia Tenggara telah dimulai sejak Indonesia memproklamasikan kemerdekaannya pada 17 Agustus 1945. Berbagai forum baik regional maupun internasional telah dirancang oleh Indonesia bersama-sama dengan negara-negara lain. Dengan berdirinya ASEAN, hubungan luar negeri Indonesia dengan negara-negara di Asia Tenggara yang merupakan anggota ASEAN juga menjadi semakin erat. Dimulai dengan negara tetangga yaitu Malaysia, Singapura, dan Thailand. Indonesia, selain sebagai sesama negara pemrakarsa berdirinya ASEAN, ketiga negara tersebut memiliki intensitas hubungan yang paling tinggi dengan Indonesia. Pada dasarnya hubungan bilateral antara Indonesia dengan Malaysia berjalan dengan baik karena kedua negara memiliki sejumlah forum formal yang terstruktur untuk membahas berbagai permasalahan antara kedua negara seperti Konsultasi Tahunan Tingkat Tinggi Indonesia – Malaysia dan Komisi Bersama (Joint Commission), selain itu juga terdapat forum-forum lainnya seperti Komite Perbatasan (General Border Committee). Hubungan bilateral antara Indonesia dengan Malaysia mungkin akan sedikit terganggu dengan adanya isu-isu seperti masalah delimitasi batas negara maritim, ketenagakerjaan, kerjasama pemberantasan illegal logging, dan isu-isu mengenai perbatasan darat kedua negara. Namun hal tersebut tidak akan mengubah kedekatan hubungan antar Indonesia dengan Malaysia yang sudah terjalin sejak lama. Demikian juga halnya dengan Singapura, peningkatan hubungan bilateral antara Indonesia dengan Singapura ditandai dengan adanya kesepakatan untuk meningkatkan kerja sama di bidang pertahanan, pemberantasan terorisme, penanggulangan wabah flu burung, serta promosi kepariwisataan. Selain itu penyelesaian isu-isu bilateral seperti perjanjian ekstradisi dan masalah batas maritim kedua negara mencapai kemajuan penting dalam perundingan tingkat pejabat teknis kedua pihak yang telah melakukan enam kali pertemuan dan pembahasan pasal demi pasal consolidated draft perjanjian tersebut. Mengenai hubungan bilateral antara Indonesia dengan Thailand selama ini terjalin dengan baik karena pada dasarnya antara kedua negara sejak dulu tidak pernah terjadi perselisihan, bahkan Thailand selalu mendukung tindakan-tindakan Indonesia baik di forum regional maupun internasional.
Selain hubungan kerja sama yang baik antara Malaysia, Singapura dan Thailand, Indonesia juga memiliki kerja sama dan hubungan yang baik dengan Brunei Darussalam dan Filipina yang diimplementasikan dengan dibentuknya kerangka kerja sama ekonomi sub-kawasan yang dikenal dengan nama Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) yang telah mengadakan pertemuan-pertemuan tingkat pejabat tinggi dan menteri pada tahun 2005 lalu serta Konferensi Tingkat Tinggi, di mana Indonesia dalam mendorong pembangunan Kawasan Timur Indonesia telah berhasil memasukkan berbagai usulan pembangunan di berbagai sektor pariwisata, perikanan, dan infrastruktur. Secara bilateral, hubungan bilateral antara Indonesia dengan Brunei Darussalam secara umum ditandai dengan adanya bantuan pada saat terjadi bencana gempa bumi dan tsunami di NAD dan Sumut yang berupa dana sebesar US$100.000, pesawat, 2 helikopter, peralatan medis, 15 orang dokter, dan paramedik. Sementara itu hubungan bilateral antara Indoensia dengan Filipina terus mengalami peningkatan dengan adanya kerja sama di berbagai bidang dan adanya saling pengertian terhadap berbagai masalah baik regional maupun internasional. Dalam bidang keamanan khususnya telah disepakati peningkatan kerja sama dalam penanganan perbatasan untuk mencegah pemanfaatan wilayah Filipina sebagai tempat perlintasan para pelaku tindak kejahatan transnasional. Selain itu masih terdapat beberapa masalah yang perlu diadakan kerja sama seperti delimitasi batas maritim di Laut Sulawesi dan kerja sama di bidang perikanan yang sedang dibahas melalui forum Joint Permanent Working Group on Maritime and Oceans Concerns.
Untuk membentuk suatu integritas di kawasan Asia Tenggara secara utuh dan menyeluruh, Indonesia memandang perlu untuk menjalin kerja sama yang lebih intensif dengan negara di delta Sungai Mekong. Pelibatan Indonesia dengan negara-negara delta Sungai Mekong mulai terjalin sejak diplomasi Indonesia untuk menyelesaikan konflik berdarah di Kamboja dan masuknya Kamboja, Laos, Myanmar, dan Vietnamke dalam ASEAN. Hubungan Indonesia yang paling maju adalah dengan Vietnam yang memiliki kesamaan pandangan dalam hal integrasi Asia Timur melalui format East Asian Summit dan saat ini telah menjalin kerja sama dalam bidang pendidikan dan penegakan hukum. Kerja sama dengan pemerintah Kamboja dan Laos lebih bernuansa teknis dengan adanya Sidang Komisi Bersama dengan Phnom Penh dan pelatihan peningkatan sumber daya manusia Laos oleh Indonesia melalui skema Kerja sama Teknis antara Negara-negara Berkembang (KTNB). Sementara itu sangat disayangkan bahwa hubungan dengan Myanmar belum mencapai taraf kemajuan yang signifikan mengingat permasalahan yang dihadapinya, di mana pimpinan Deplu berpendapat bahwa belum terdapat perbaikan yang berarti terhadap kondisi demokrasi dan hak asasi manusia di sana. Indonesia mendukung dilaksanakannya roadmap oleh Myanmar sebagai panduan menuju proses demokratisasi dan tetap menjunjung prinsip non-intervensi di ASEAN, akan tetapi disampaikan pula bahwa anggota-anggota ASEAN sangat kecewa dengan sikap tidak transparan dari pemerintah Myanmar.
Asia Timur
Hubungan Indonesia dengan negara-negara besar di kawasan Asia Timur seperti China, Jepang dan Korea Selatan telah terbina sejak lama melalui kegiatan-kegiatan perdagangan dan investasi langsung sejak dekade 1970an telah mulai membangun perekonomian Indonesia. Jepang khususnya merupakan negara donor dan pemberi pinjaman utama bagi Indonesia yang saat ini sedang berada pada proses untuk pembuatan perjanjian ekonomi. Dengan Korea, Indonseia telah memiliki hubungan investasi dan kegiatan ekspor-impor.
Di sini perlu dicatat bahwa Indonesia pada tahun 2005 telah bersepakat dengan China untuk membentuk kemitraan strategis, di mana kemitraan tersebut menyediakan peluang yang menjanjikan bagi Indonesia untuk mendapat keuntungan dari peningkatan ekspor, sumber daya manusia, dan infrastruktur, serta peningkatan kemampuan pertahanan. Volume perdagangan telah meningkat lebih dari dua kali lipat sejak normalisasi hubungan pada tahun 1999, sementara dialog antarpemerintah pun terbentuk melalui berbagai forum seperti konsultasi dan komisi bersama dan kontak antarmasyarakat diupayakan untuk ditingkatkan dengan dibukanya konsulat-konsulat baru dan program-program pertukaran.
Melihat kekuatan ekonomi dan militer China serta pengaruh politiknya yang mulai bangkit di kawasan, Indonesia dapat memanfaatkan momentum ini untuk memperkuat posisi dengan melibatkan China dalam berbagai mekanisma kerja sama regional, dengan demikian melibatkan raksasa tersebut dalam proses pembuatan keputusan bersama sekaligus mengurangi kerawanan yang ditimbulkan akibat pembangunan kekuatan militer China yang semakin meningkat dan ambisinya di Laut China Selatan.
Untuk menghindari kemitraan strategis Indonesia-China sebagai suatu pengulangan dari perjanjian-perjanjian bilateral yang telah ada sebelumnya, Indonesia perlu untuk mendorong tercapainya sasaran-sasaran konkret seperti pembentukan asosiasi bisnis dan kantor dagang yang dinamis, kerja sama pengembangan industri militer dan pelatihan, serta menegosiasikan daya saing produk-produk unggulan Indonesia seperti elektronik, furniture, udang, dan tekstil yang diperkirakan akan terancam oleh keunggulan manufaktur dan agroindustri China.
Hubungan bilateral antara Indonesia dengan Korea terbina dengan adanya kegiatan ekspor dan impor antara Indonesia – Korea. Selain itu, pasca gempa bumi dan tsunami di NAD dan Sumut, Korea memberikan bantuan hibah sebesar US$600 ribu, 8 buah ekskavator, 6 buah truk, 123 tenaga medis, dan 160 personil militer.



Asia Selatan/India

Sebagai salah satu negara yang sedang berkembang dengan pertumbuhan yang cukup pesat di segala bidang terutama ekonomi, teknologi dan militer telah membuat India berpotensi untuk menjadi salah satu negara besar di masa depan. Hal ini terbukti selain dari tingkat pertumbuhan Gross Domestic Product (GDP) negara tersebut yang mencapai 6,8% pada tahun 2004 juga terlihat dari persaingan negara-negara besar di dunia seperti Amerika Serikat, Uni Eropa, dan China yang berlomba membentuk pakta persahabatan bilateral dengan India. Kebijakan look east policy India yang digagas sejak tahun 1996 dianggap sebagai pemicu upaya India untuk mengintensifkan kerja sama dengan negara-negara Asia-Pasifik.

Berdasarkan kondisi tersebut maka peluang kerja sama antar Indonesia dan India, baik antara pemerintah kedua negara, pihak swasta dan penduduk kedua negara semakin terbuka lebar. Hubungan kerja sama RI dan India telah terjalin sejak awal kemerdekaan dan terus berlanjut dengan baik hingga era globalisasi ini. Tingginya intensitas saling kunjung, pertemuan dan banyaknya perjanjian (MoU) secara bilateral antara kedua Negara telah menunjukkan bahwa India mempunyai arti yang cukup penting bagi Indonesia. Dalam pertemuan antara PM Manmohan dan Presiden Yudhoyono pada bulan April 2005, Presiden RI menyatakan harapannya agar hubungan kerja sama di berbagai bidang antara Indonesia dan India dapat ditindaklanjuti.

Hubungan kerja sama antar kedua negara dalam bidang ekonomi khususnya di sektor perdagangan selama periode 2000-2004, terus mengalami peningkatan dengan surplus di pihak Indonesia, dengan komoditas ekspor andalan Indonesia ke India antara lain adalah minyak dan lemak nabati, bahan kimia dan bahan mineral. Di bidang investasi, India mempunyai keunggulan untuk berinvestasi dalam sektor kimia, farmasi, serta konstruksi dan industri berat di Indonesia. Kerja sama di bidang ekonomi dan perdagangan antara RI – India baik pada tingkat bilateral, regional dan internasional perlu ditingkatkan dalam upaya menjaga kestabilan partumbuhan ekonomi yang saling menguntungkan melalui perjanjian Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation.

Kerja sama RI – India dalam bidang keamanan dilakukan melalui pertukaran kunjungan perwira dan latihan militer bersama di Samudra Hindia, serta pengamanan wilayah Selat Malaka. Dalam hal ini kedua negara menyadari pentingnya pembentukan suatu kerja sama untuk mengatasi masalah kejahatan transnasional dan terorisme. Hal ini juga didorong oleh kondisi keamanan kedua negara yang relatif sama terutama dalam masalah separatisme dan terorisme yan semakin gencar terjadi beberapa tahun terakhir. Implementasi dari kerja sama di bidang ini dilakukan melalui penandatanganan MoU Kerja sama Penanggulangan Terorisme RI-India oleh Menteri Luar Negeri kedua negara di sela-sela pertemuan ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) sebagai bukti bahwa selama ini RI dan India secara konsisten saling mendukung kedaulatan dan keutuhan kedua negara.

Pasifik Selatan

Pelaksanaan Kebijakan Luar negeri RI demi mewujudkan kepentingan nasional RI di Pasifik Selatan terutama ditujukan untuk menjamin dukungan dari negara-negara kunci di kawasan, terutama Australia, Selandia Baru, Papua Nugini dan Fiji, bagi keutuhan dan kedaulatan wilayah RI, khususnya di bagian Timur tanah air, dan mendorong rekonsiliasi permanen dalam hubungan RI dan Timor Leste

Hubungan bilateral Indonesia-Australia sering kali mengalami pasang surut dan menemui banyak kendala. Hubungan kedua negara berada dititik tertinggi ketika Australia dibawah pemerintahan partai buruh (Paul Keating), terbukti dengan ditandatanganinya AMS (Agreement on Mutual Security). Namun demikian anggapan akan ‘keterlibatan’ Australia dibawah pemerintahan koalisi partai liberal/nasional (John Howard) dalam pemisahan Timor – Timur dengan Indonesia tahun 1999 telah membawa hubungan Indonesia-Australia ke titik terendah. Selain itu dengan peluncuran pre-emption doctrine dalam tahun 2004 menjadikan hubungan kedua negara kembali merenggang. Namun upaya diplomasi terus dilakukan oleh kedua negara untuk meningkatkan kembali hubungan bilateral melalui kerjasama kontra-terorisme dengan pembentukan JCLEC (Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation) di Semarang dan pemberian bantuan kemanusiaan oleh Australia kepada Indonesia sebesar A$ 1 milyar untuk rekonstruksi dan rehabilitasi wilayah yang terlanda bencana tsunami pada Desember 2004.

Semenjak terpilihnya Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono sebagai presiden RI, hubungan Indonesia - Australia mengalami kemajuan pesat. Hal ini tercermin dari kedatangan Perdana Menteri Howard pada pelantikan Presiden Yudhoyono bulan Oktober 2004 di Jakarta . Pada tanggal 3 – 6 April 2005, Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudoyono melakukan kunjungan ke Australia dan menghasilkan “Joint Declaration on a Comprehensive Partnership”. Kemitraan komprehensif yang ditandatangani oleh Presiden Yudhoyono dan PM Howard tersebut akan menjadi payung pengaturan kerja sama kedua negara di bidang politik dan keamanan, ekonomi, serta sosial budaya. Namun demikian, hubungan kedua negara mengalami kemunduran dan berada dalam titik terendah karena pemberian temporary protection visa oleh pemerintah Australia kepada 42 pengungsi asal Papua. Hal ini mengakibatkan kemungkinan di-review-nya Comprehensive Partnership tersebut diatas.

Hubungan dengan Selandia Baru pun semakin meningkat dengan kunjungan Presiden SBY, dimana dalam kesempatan tersebut, pemerintahan kedua negara membicarakan peningkatan kerja sama bilateral khususnya di bidang kehutanan, lingkungan hidup, transportasi udara dan pendidikan. Seperti Australia, Selandia Baru pun termasuk negara yang pertama kali menawarkan bantuan ketika bencana tsunami terjadi dan telah berperan signifikan dalam pertolongan korban dan rekonstruksi daerah bencana.

Pemerintah RI dan pemerintah Papua Nugini (PNG) telah lama membangun kerja sama bilateral melalui wadah Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) dan Joint Border Commission (JBC) untuk kerja sama politik, pembangunan ekonomi, dan pengelolaan daerah perbatasan. Dukungan PNG kepada RI terlihat antara lain dari pelarangannya kepada tokoh Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM) untuk mengikuti pertemuan Kelompok Ujung Tombak Melanesia (MSG) di Goroka, PNG pada tahun 2005 dan dukungannya untuk menghapus pembahasan mengenai Papua dalam agenda sidang Forum Pulau – Pulau Pasifik (PIF).

Indonesia juga mengembangkan hubungan bilateral dengan Fiji, antar lain dengan diadakannya Pertemuan Bilateral Tingkat Tinggi di Jakarta pada tahun 2—5 di mana pada kesempatan tersebut Fiji menegaskan sikapnya mendukung keutuhan NKRI. Indonesia terus membina kerja sama dalam bentuk pelatihan pertanian, pembiayaan mikro, dan beasiswa kebudayaan.

Upaya pelibatan atau engagement Indonesia dengan negara-negara Melanesia di Pasifik terus dibina melalui keikutsertaan aktif dalam forum-forum di kawasan khususnya PIF dan Dialog Pasifik Barat daya (SWPD) yang telah memberikan hasil politik yaitu tidak digunakannya forum-forum kawasan tersebut untuk mendukung kemerdekaan Papua. Sebagai mitra wicara PIF, Indonesia menjalankan peranan penghubung antara PIF dengan ASEAN dengan menampilkan berbagai permasalahan keamanan dan pembangunan kawasan serta pencapaian Indonesia khususnya dalam hal rekonstruksi dan proses perdamaian di Aceh, dan perkembangan Otonomi Khusus di Papua. Indonesia juga turut memfasilitasi keterlibatan para anggota PIF dalam pertemuan kontra-terorisme tingkat menteri di kawasan yang dikenal dengan sebutan “the Bali Process”. Sementara itu, pertemuan tingkat menteri dengan negara-negara anggota SWPD (Indonesia, Australia, Selandia Baru, Papua Nugini, Filipina, Timor Leste) terutama membicarakan permasalahan dalam kerja sama sosial-budaya dan keamanan (khususnya terorisme dan kejahatan transnasional).

Upaya rekonsiliasi dengan pemerintah dan rakyat Timor Leste telah memasuki babak baru dengan ditandatanganinya pembentukan Komisi Kebenaran dan Persahabatan (CTF) oleh Presiden RI dan PM Timor Leste. Pertukaran kunjungan para pejabat tinggi kedua negara pun semakin meningkat untuk menyelesaikan berbagai masalah antara kedua negara, di antaranya masalah batas wilayah darat yang telah 96% diselesaikan melalui perjanjian. Dari segi ekonomi, saat ini terdapat keterkaitan erat dalam perdagangan kedua negara di mana Indonesia merupakan negara tujuan ekspor utama Timor Leste (100% pada tahun 2004) dan salah satu sumber impor utama barang-barang kebutuhan rakyat di negara tersebut.

Mengingat Indonesia memiliki kepentingan untuk mengawal proses pembangunan Timor Leste yang baru berdiri demi stabilitas kawasan di pasifik, maka Indonesia juga mendukung kerja sama trilateral dengan nama Tripartite Consultation yang beranggotakan kedua negara dan Australia. Pertemuan pertama yang diadakan di Bali pada tahun 2003 telah menyepakati perlunya memprioritaskan penyelesaian antara lain masalah-masalah pengungsi Timor, kerja sama praktis dalam hal pendidikan dan pelatihan, dan pengurangan hambatan perdagangan.
===***===

Sumber : P3K2 Aspasaf
[1] Disampaikan pada acara Diklat BIN tahun 2006
[2] Kepala Pusat Pengkajian dan Pengembangan Kebijakan Kawasan Asia Pasifik dan Afrika, Badan Pengkajian dan Pengembangan Kebijakan, Departemen Luar Negeri RI


25 Aug 2006 05:22Indonesia’s Foreign Policy and Strategy towards the Asia Pacific Region, 2006

by: Moenir Ari Soenanda

I. Indonesia’s Foreign Policy

A nation’s foreign policy is a result of various factors and situations whether stable or unstable in a definite period. As part of national policy, foreign policy is implemented in order to achieve national goals. The national goals are dependent of two factors namely stable and unstable factors, which are related to time and to the nation’s overall identity and character.

The stable/constant factors are in principal adjusted to the political system and the national constitution, which encompass the protection of national citizens and the public institutional building. These factors are also interconnected with principal elements such as national myths and nation’s philosophy, which are based on the people’s consent.

On the other hand, the unstable factors depend on the urgent needs of the government, the legislative body or any other stockholders that might influence the decision-making of the national policy.

Indonesia’s foreign policy in 2006 is part of the major policy of the Indonesia Bersatu Cabinet (2004-2009) which is dedicated to the mandate of the Basic Constitution 1945. These mandates are among others to protect the Indonesian citizens, to educate its people, to promote the public welfare and to promote the international order based on independence, perpetual peace and social justice.

To ensure the accomplishment of the national goals, the Department of Foreign Affairs is focusing on diplomatic cooperation with other countries. The first concentric circle: Association of South East Asia Nations (ASEAN) is the main pillar of Indonesia in undertaking its foreign policy. The second concentric circle: ASEAN+3 (Japan, China and South Korea). Beyond that, Indonesia is also cooperating intensively with the US and European Union which are the main economic partners of Indonesia. Indonesia also acknowledges the importance of cooperating with the like-minded developing countries such as participating actively in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the Group of 77 (G-77) and the Group of 15 (G-15). Within these fora, Indonesia puts forward the common efforts in bridging the gap between developing countries and developed countries. Meanwhile, at the global level, Indonesia is asserting consistently the strengthening of multilateralism through UN, particularly in resolving all problems of peace and world’s security. As to unilateral action, Indonesia rejects any unilateral decision adopted outside the UN framework.

In facing the ever-changing world order, it is important to develop flexibility in conducting foreign policy in order to gain the maximum benefit of the prospects and challenges arising. In this regard, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in his keynote speech in May 2005 had introduced a new concept of a constructivist foreign policy; which is to develop three conditions: (1) a positive way of thinking in managing external problems; (2) connectivity in handling international matters, and (3) a solid nation identity based on Indonesia’s national and diplomatic achievements.

The conduct of Indonesian diplomacy must consistently adopt the principal of free and active, which reflects the main character of Indonesia’s foreign policy. The implementation of the free and active foreign policy must also be adjusted with the changing of strategic environment both at global and regional level that influences the conduct of foreign policy. Indonesia’s foreign policy is designed to meet the Indonesian national interest and the ever-changing international environment. The changing of international environment is not only the result of the dynamics of states’ relation but also the emergence of new issues and new actors (non-state actors) in international relations.

The Indonesian diplomacy is to actualize the program of priorities outlined by the Cabinet of Indonesia Bersatu, which in principal is to undertake the Total Diplomacy with a view to arrive at a united, a safer and a more peaceful Indonesia, and a just, democratic and prosper Indonesia. Deplu as the main institution to conduct the nation foreign policy is involving other stakeholders to maintain the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia and to prioritize the main agenda of the President Yudhoyono administration.

Deplu’s vision is formulated in 7 statements of mission called the Sapta Dharma Caraka which are (1)to maintain and increase international support and recognition to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Indonesia; (2) to achieve a more prosper Indonesia through development and economic cooperation, trade promotion and investment, job opportunities, and technology transfer; (3) to increase Indonesia’s role and leadership in the integration process of ASEAN, to have active role in the Asia Pacific, to build the a strategic partnership among Asia-Africa countries and developing countries; (4) to enhance bilateral, regional, international cooperation in every domain and to increase Indonesia’s initiative and contribution to international peace and to strengthen multilateralism; (5) to assert Indonesia’s profile and image in international fora as a democratic, pluralist country which upholds the respect for human rights and the promotion of international peace; (6) to increase the service and protection to the Indonesian citizen abroad and to maintain the humanitarian diplomacy in support of the emergency, the reconstruction and rehabilitation phase in Aceh after the earthquake and tsunami; (7) to continue to self-restructure in order to increase the institutional capacity building, the corporate culture of Deplu and to upgrade the professionalism of Indonesian Diplomats with its main role in foreign policy-implementation.

II. The Portrait of Regional Surrounding

The integration process in East Asia is growing steadily fast. This is also part of the important role of ASEAN as a regional grouping in Southeast Asia. The Ninth ASEAN Summit agreed on the establishment of an ASEAN Community in 2020 that is lying to three pillars (Politic and Security, Economic, and Socio-cultural Community), each of which member countries have agreed to envisage in particular through the implementation of the Plan of Action. The ASEAN+3 Summit in Vientiane had also resulted agreement to the initiative of convening the first East Asia Summit in Malaysia in the end of 2005. This has reiterated ASEAN as the driving seat in the integration process in East Asia.

The issue of managing strategic resources in East Asia has gained much attention due to the following reasons: First, after the Cold War era, conflicts over natural resources, mainly oil and natural gas, are drastically increasing compared to ideological conflicts. Oil and gas have become the major need for industrial-based countries to maintain the economic growth. Due to its importance, governments have to ensure the adequate reserve of these natural resources so they can have enough stock to distribute them with reasonable price to their respective peoples. Some territorial conflicts in East Asia mainly in regions believed to be rich in natural reserve such as the Spratly islands and Ambalat confirm how sensitive the issue of natural resources, mainly oil and gas are.

The East Asia region including Southeast Asia where Indonesia is situated is identified to be very dynamic. The economic growth in China in the last 15 years has brought positive impacts to the surrounding countries. Besides Japan and South Korea, India emerges as another important economic potential. The rise of India in the last two years has brought about new dimension to economic relations among countries in the region, which eventually influence the political-security relations and the efforts to regional integrity.

With regard to the security in Malacca Strait, there had been efforts to adopt an equal perception among the littoral states (Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia) about the overall problems faced, which are the security, the safety of navigation and the protection of the environment. Security in the wider sense does not only encompass piracy, but also smuggling and other illicit trades. The Ministerial Meeting in Batam, 1 August 2005, agreed to promote international cooperation with the user states based on the principle of “burden sharing” mainly on the capacity building of the three littoral states.

III. The Implementation of Foreign Policy
Indonesia and ASEAN

ASEAN has been the main pillar of Indonesia’s foreign policy. ASEAN functions as the main vehicle for Indonesia to undertake cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia with the aim to achieve its national goals. Through ASEAN, Indonesia could project the principal values of regional resilience and non-interference to countries outside the region in order to have a conducive environment that would benefit to the economic growth of the region.

Since the early establishment of ASEAN, Indonesia had put efforts to upholding values of mutual respect, non-interference in domestic affairs of other countries, the non-use of force and the priority of consultations and consensus in decision-making process. Indonesia also plays important role in setting up agreements and modalities in ASEAN, which are among others: Declaration on Zone of Peace, Freedom, and Neutrality (ZOPFAN, 1971), ASEAN Concord (1976), ASEAN Declaration on South China Sea (1992), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF 1995) and ASEAN Community (2003).

Despite differences in cultures, geographical conditions, political systems and conditions of welfare, the ASEAN member countries have shown great commitment to put forward cooperation in achieving common benefit and prosperity. In this regard, Indonesia’s foreign policy in the era of globalization should maintain the cooperation to achieve substantial progress mainly in conflict resolution and economic integration in Southeast Asia region.

Indonesia will continue playing a strategic role for the betterment and the integration of ASEAN. Indonesia’s role in Southeast Asia is also proven by its participation in the peace mission to the conflict in Cambodia and in South Philippines; the initiative of developing humanitarian diplomacy and the active participation in building the East Asia community.

The first East Asia Summit convened on 14 December 2005 entailed the participation of 10 ASEAN member countries and 6 other key countries in the region: Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand. The outcome of the Meeting was a joint agreement to build an East Asia Community where cooperation will be enhanced with a view to build peace, stability and economic progress in the region.

The Meeting also entailed different perception on the sense of “Community” itself. Some put a meaning of a “free single market community” and some envisage it to be a regional forum for politic consultation and security cooperation. Meanwhile, Indonesia and some other countries attach a meaning to the “community” as a group of countries that put forward the political, economic and socio-cultural issues as recommended by East Asia Vision Group as an evident evolution of ASEAN+3.

In the coming years, the active participation of Indonesia in the establishment of an East Asia Community should affirm Indonesia’s position as one dynamic market in the world. Indonesia’s involvement will help maintain a good environment in East Asia since East Asia Summit will accommodate important countries in the region by involving them in a decision-making process based on consensus. To a wider extent, Indonesia would have more opportunities to raise its profile by taking initiatives to overcome emerging issues in the region, in particular regarding conflict resolution, energy cooperation and humanitarian diplomacy.

Indonesia’s bilateral relations with Countries in Asia-Pacific Region.

Southeast Asia

Indonesia’s relation with countries in Southeast Asia began when Indonesia proclaimed its independence on the 17th of August 1945. Several fora whether regional and international had been initiated by Indonesia together with other countries. When ASEAN was established, Indonesia’s relation with Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand began to improve. The three countries exercised the most degree of intense relation with Indonesia. In principal, the bilateral relation between Indonesia and Malaysia has been going well due to the convening of several formal meetings such as the Annual Summit Consultation Indonesia-Malaysia and Joint Commission, and other meetings such as General Border Committee.

The problem in the bilateral relation of Indonesia-Malaysia would relate to matters of border maritime delimitation, labor, cooperation on the eradication of illegal logging, and border issues. These problems however do no affect the close relationship between Indonesia-Malaysia.

With regard to the bilateral relation with Singapore, there has been an enhancement namely on the cooperation in the field of defense, counter-terrorism, communicable diseases such as avian influenza, and tourism promotion. Furthermore, problems with regard to extradition and maritime borders between the two countries have reached important progress namely on the technical meetings between both parties that have so far undertaken 6 meetings which also include the chapter by chapter discussion of the consolidated draft. Indonesia’s relation with Thailand has been going well since there have not been any major conflicting issues. Thailand has also been supportive to Indonesia’s role in regional and international fora.

Indonesia has also been enjoying close relations with Brunei Darussalam and the Philippines, which is manifested by the establishment of an economic sub-regional cooperation known as Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). In this regard, there have been senior officials’, ministerial and summit meetings in 2005 where Indonesia had succeeded in incorporating several project proposals in the sectors of tourism, fishery and infrastructure.

Bilaterally, the good relation between Indonesia-Brunei has been marked by the aid extended by Brunei to the earthquake and tsunami victims in Aceh and North Sumatera as much as US$ 100.000, air transports helicopters, medical personal and aids.

Meanwhile, the relation with the Philippines has been increasing gradually illustrated by cooperation in various fields aside from the good understanding from both parties on issues of regional and international interest. In the security field, there has been an agreement on handling border problems mainly on the prevention of the usage of the Philippine territory as cross-border passage by transnational criminals. Furthermore, there are still more matters that need to be addressed such as maritime delimitations in Laut Sulawesi and fishery, which is now being discussed through the forum of Joint Permanent Working Group on Maritime and Oceans Concerns.

To build a full integrity in Southeast Asia, Indonesia deems important to undertake an intensified cooperation with countries located in the delta of Mekong Lake. Indonesia’s intention was demonstrated by its peaceful involvement in the conflict resolution in Cambodia. Indonesia also supported Cambodia, Lao, Myanmar and Vietnam to become members of ASEAN.

Indonesia and Vietnam have been enjoying the most satisfying bilateral relation since both countries share common vision on the matter of East Asia integration through the format of East Asian Summit. Moreover, both countries have been exercising cooperation in education and law enforcement field.

Cooperation with the governments of Cambodia and Lao have been conducted in a more technical way such as the convening of Joint Commission with Cambodia and also The Training to increase the Lao Human Resources through the Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries.

Unfortunately, cooperation with the Government of Myanmar has yet reached a significant progress considering the internal problem it is facing. The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia deems that there is yet progress in the democratic and human rights condition in Myanmar. Indonesia fully supports the implementation of the Roadmap by Myanmar as a guide to democratization. In this regard, Indonesia’s support is under lied by the principle of the respect of non-intervention in the domestic affairs of other countries. Member countries of ASEAN are unlikely to be satisfied with the non-transparence attitude the government of Myanmar has been adopting.

East Asia

Indonesia’s relation with major countries in East Asia region namely China, Japan and South Korea have been carried out since 1970’s through activities of trade and investment, which have benefited Indonesia’s economy. Japan has been a donor country, which also offers loans to Indonesia. An economic agreement is now being discussed between the two countries. With Korea, Indonesia has been enjoying cooperation on investment and export-import activities.

In 2005, Indonesia and China had agreed to establish a strategic partnership out of which it would provide a promising opportunity for Indonesia to benefit on the increase of export value, human resource, infrastructure and the defense capability. The trade volume augmented twice as much since the relation of the two countries was normalized in 1999. Meanwhile, the inter-governmental dialogue has been conducted through several forums of consultation and joint commission. The people to people contact is being encouraged by the realization of exchange programs and the inauguration of consulates.

Bearing in mind of the economic and military power of China along with its political influence in the region, Indonesia could benefit the momentum in order to assert its stance by encouraging China to participate in numbers of framework cooperation. By involving China in decision-making process, this would lessen the conflict potential that might be caused by the growing Chinese military strength, some of which is particularly deployed in the South China Sea.

In order to avoid duplication between the Indonesia-China strategic partnership agreement and the agreements previously established by Indonesia-China, Indonesia should urge all parties to accomplish all concrete targets such as the establishment of a dynamic business and trade association, cooperation in the development of military industry and training, and the negotiation to protect Indonesian manufacture products from the Chinese products.

The bilateral relations Indonesia-South Korea mainly resides on export-import activities. Korea had also delivered aid to the natural catastrophe victims in Aceh and North Sumatera as much as US$ 600.000, 6 trucks, 123 medical personal and 160 military personals.


Southern Asia (India)

Being a fast-growing country in the economic, technology and military domain, India possesses all the potential to become a major power in the coming years. This is reflected not only by the increase of its Gross Domestic Product which has reached 6,8% in 2004, but also by the steady competition among major powers mainly the US, European Union and China to establish bilateral pact with India. The look east policy which India had adopted since 1996 had been an effective trigger to intensify cooperation with countries in Asia Pacific region.

Accordingly, the opportunity in developing cooperation between Indonesia-India, at governmental, private and people level has become evident. The cooperation between Indonesia-India has been carried out since the early years of Indonesian independence and is still ongoing. The frequency of mutual visits, meetings and agreements signed between both countries demonstrate India’s significant meaning to Indonesia. When President Yudhoyono met PM Manmohan in April 2005, he expressed his expectations that cooperation between both countries should be continued and sustained.

Indonesia and India have been enjoying an increase on trade relation along the period 2004-2005, with a surplus on the Indonesian side. Indonesian exported products to India are mainly vegetable oil, chemical substance, and minerals. In investment area, India is keen on chemical, construction and heavy industry sectors. The economic relation between Indonesia-India needs to be enhanced with a view to maintain a stable economic growth through the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation.

In security domain, the bilateral cooperation is conducted through the exchange of military personals and the joint military training in the Indian Ocean. The security cooperation also include the security in the Malacca Strait. Both countries also realize the importance to undertake a joint effort in combating transnational crimes since both countries are experiencing similar problems mainly on the issues of separatism and terrorism. The implementation of such cooperation is being carried out through the signing of A MoU Indonesia-India to combat terrorism by the Foreign Ministers of both countries at the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Meeting. This demonstrates the mutual support over the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of respective country.

Southern Pacific

The implementation of Indonesian foreign policy in the Southern Pacific is focused on gaining support from pertinent countries in the region, namely: Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji as to maintain the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia. The diplomacy applied to the eastern part is also concentrated on the permanent reconciliation between Indonesia and Timor Leste.

The relation between Indonesia-Australia has undergone many challenges and has culminated when Australia was ruled under the Labor Party (Paul Keating), in particular by the signing of Agreement on Mutual Security. The relation was put into test when suspect arouse on Australian involvement over the issue of separation of East Timor in 1999. Furthermore, the introduction of the pre-emption doctrine in 2004 has again challenged the bilateral relation. Nevertheless, diplomatic efforts to strengthen the relation are progressing mainly in the field of counter-terrorism reflected by the establishment of JCLEC (Jakarta Center for Law Enforcement Cooperation) in Semarang. Moreover, the humanitarian aid delivered by Australia to victims of natural catastrophe in Aceh and North Sumatera which amounted to as much as US$ 1 billion demonstrated the friendly relation of both countries.

Since the beginning of President Yudhoyono’s Administration, the bilateral relation has been progressing significantly. This is proven by the state visit of PM John Howard at the inauguration of President Yudhoyono in October 2004 in Jakarta. In 3-6 April 2006, President Yudhoyono paid visit to Australia where Leaders of both countries signed the Joint Declaration on a Comprehensive Partnership, which serves as an umbrella agreement to all cooperation agreements undertaken in the political, economic, and socio-cultural field. Nevertheless, the granting of temporary protection visa by the Australian Government to 42 asylum seekers of Papuan origin has again put the relation into test. This has subsequently compelled Indonesia to review the abovementioned Comprehensive Partnership.

The bilateral relation with New Zealand progresses when President Yudhoyono visited New Zealand where Leaders discuss about common efforts to enhance cooperation mainly in forestry, environment, air transport and education. Like Australia, New Zealand had promptly extended humanitarian aid to the earthquake and tsunami victims.

The Government of RI and Papua New Guinea have long time endeavored to cooperate bilaterally through the forum of Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) and Joint Border Commission (JBC) in the political, economic development, and management of border areas. PNG has been showing support for the Indonesian territorial integrity by restricting the Free Papua Organization (Organisasi Papua Merdeka) to take part in the meeting of Kelompok Ujung Tombak Melanesia (MSG) in Goroka, PNG in 2005 and by interdicting the discussion over Papua as one of the agenda items of the Meeting of the Pacific Island Forum.

Indonesia has developed cooperation with Fiji, among which is the convening of the Leaders’ Bilateral Meeting in Jakarta in 2005 in which Fiji reiterated its strong support for the territorial integrity of the Unitary State of RI. The bilateral cooperation has been conducted mainly in agricultural training, financial aid and cultural scholarship.

Indonesia’s engagement with Melanesian countries in the Pacific is reflected by its active participation in the regional fora such as the Pacific Island Forum and the Southwest Pacific Dialogue out of which have resulted a political statement affirming that the said fora will never be utilized to show support of Papua’s independence.

As a dialogue partner to PIF, Indonesia plays as a mediator between PIF and ASEAN by sharing ASEAN’s experiences in handling security issues and regional development as well as Indonesia’s achievement in: Reconstruction of Aceh; the Peace Process in Aceh and the Special Autonomy in Papua. Indonesia also facilitates the PIF member countries to participate in counter-terrorism ministerial meetings known as the Bali Process. Meanwhile, ministerial meeting with SWPD member countries (Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, The Philippines nd Timor Leste) mainly discuss cooperation on socio-cultural and security issues (in particular terrorism an transnational organized crimes).

The reconciliation process with the Government and the People of Timor Leste has entered a new era with the signing of Commission of Truth and Friendship (CTF) by both Leaders. The mutual visits among high ranked officials from both sides increase as to solve problems between the two countries, which is among others the issue of land borders out of which 96% is completed. On economic domain, Indonesia is the main export destination country for Timor Leste’s products and at the same time Indonesia is the main importer country to TL basic needs.

Indonesia attaches great concern to the development process in Timor Leste that has great influence to the overall security and stability in the Pacific region. In this regard, Indonesia fully supports the trilateral cooperation known as the Tripartite Consultation with Indonesia, Timor Leste and Australia as the members. The first meeting held in Bali in 2003 agreed to resolve the East Timorese refugees’ issues, and to put forward practical cooperation on training and education, as well as to eliminate barrier trade.

Source: P3K2 Aspasaf

13 Jun 2006 06:14Indonesia's Foreign Policy & The Current Issues

A paper presented:
On the Occasion of Briefing to Singaporean Civil Servants
Jakarta, 18th April 2006

I. Overview

Indonesia’s general policy guidelines urges that the conduct of foreign relations and the implementation of foreign policy is one component of the Indonesian integration process. On the implementation level, the effectivity of the conduct of foreign relations and implementation of foreign policy requires synergy and involvement of all stake-holders in the form of total diplomacy.

The re-emergence of the European power in the world politics, influencing the trans-atlantic relations patern, and the increasing influence of China in the globalization era gives a new perspective in international relations into a multi-polar world. The trend in the world affairs brings out an effort in respons to international security issues as well as opens a new window of opportunity of state-to-state cooperation. On the other hand, problems in Middle East and Korean Peninsula, international terrorism issue and arms race still pose challenges in maintaining international stability and security. Human rights, trade liberalization, sustainable development and social and development problems are the negative issues rising in the post-cold war era and becomes concern in the developing countries.

The policy formulation for the changing world re-urges that terrorism issues can not be separated from radicalism and poverty. In that regard, a contra-terrorism policy should touch on the issues of welfare, a better life and interfaith-dialogue. Therefore, Indonesia gives all the potentials and energy to touch on as well as to eradicate the root of such problems.


II. The Department of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia

The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia conducts the main responsibility and function on foreign relations and foreign policy.

The formation of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was historically an integral part of the birth of Indonesia. It was established on 19 August 1945, two days following the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. On this momentous day the Committee for the Preparation of the Independence of Indonesia (PPKI) promulgated the establishment of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and its 13 ministries, including DFA.
In the period of 1945-1950, the DFA had no established organizational structure and definite distribution of jobs within the department. It also lacked of human resources. As a new ministry it did not inherit nor did it take over any colonial administrative institution or function from the Netherlands East Indies Government. In fact, before the proclamation of independence, Indonesia as a colonial administrative territory was not entitled to conduct its own foreign relations. All foreign policy execution of the colonial territory was directly conducted by the Government of the Netherlands in the Hague.
Since its establishment, the DFA has moved its office several times. In 1946, when the Government of the Republic of Indonesia transferred its capital from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, the Department also moved its activities to the new capital city. Since the early 1950’s, it has permanently occupied its own building at Jalan Taman Pejambon 6, Jakarta. Historically, before the Second World War, the building was used by the Netherlands East Indies Parliament (Volksraad). During the Japanese occupation it became the meeting place for the Committee for the Preparation of the Independence of Indonesia.
A. Department of Foreign Affairs Responsibility

In the regulation number 37 year 1999 on foreign relations, it is stated that Foreign Minister conducts the main responsibility and function on foreign relations and foreign policy. This responsibility is also regulated in article 31 of the President’s Regulation number 9 year 2005 on position, responsibility and function, organizational arrangement and work order of the Indonesian Ministries , that the Department of Foreign Affairs is responsible to help the President in conducting part of governmental responsibility in political sector and foreign affairs.


B. Department of Foreign Affairs Functions
In conducting its responsibility the DFA has the following functions:
• Formulating national policy, implementation policy and technical policy in polical sector and foreign relations;
• Implementing governmental responsibility in line with its responsiblility
• Managing national goods and treasure on its responsibility
• Suvervising and implementing its responsibility
• Conveying evaluation reports and recomendation in line with its responsibility to the president.

C. Orientation of the Indonesia’s Foreign Policy

There are at least three orientation of the Indonesia’s foreign policy, namely:

1. Increasing the quality of Indonesia’s diplomacy for pursuing national intersest;
2. Continuing Indonesia’s commitment in forming identity and maintaining national integrity;
3. Continuing Indonesia’s commitment for maintaining the world peace.

In that regard, National Mid-Term Development Plan year 2004-2009 constitutes to three main programs for foreign policy as follows:
1. Strengthening foreign policy and maximizing Indonesia’s diplomacy in conducting foreign relations and implementing foreign policy. The main goal of this effort is to inrease capability of Indonesia’s foreign relations in contributing to democratization process, political stability and national integrity.
2. Pursuing international cooperation to maximize opportunity in conducting diplomacy and international cooperation, particualrly through ASEAN.
3. Restating Indonesia’s commitment to maintain the world peace for providing conducive environment for national development as well as developing multilateral cooperation in solving the world problems.

D. Department of Foreign Affairs Vision
The DFA’s vision is as follows: ‘Through the total diplomacy, DFA will materialize the national integrity, a more secure, fair, democratic and welfare nation’. Total Diplomacy is the instrument and ways used in diplomacy by involving all stakeholders (a multi-track diplomacy). E. Indonesia’s Foreign Policy Goals

The national guidelines 2004 – 2009 states the objectives of the Indonesian Government are to achieve peace, justice, democracy, and welfare. To reach these goals, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA-RI) has established the following objectives:

1. Promoting national integrity and sovereignty;
2. Helping to create welfare through cooperation in development and economy, trade and investment promotion, working opportunity and transfer of technology;
3. Increasing Indonesia’s role and leadership in ASEAN intergration process, active partisipation in the Asia – Pasific region, building a new Asia – Africa strategic partnership and promoting relations with developing countries;
4. Strengthening bilateral, regional and international cooperation in various sectors and increasing Indonesia’s iniciatives and contribution to the creation of international security and peace, as well as strengthening multilateralism;
5. Promoting Indonesia’s image in the international society as a democratic and pluralist country, promoting human rights, and global security;
6. Increasing protection to Indonesia’s nationals abroad and promoting humanitarian diplomacy to support reconstruction in Aceh and Nias;
7. Increasing institutional capacity with profesionalism of the diplomats as well as increasing coordination in conducting foreign relations.


III. Indonesia’s Independent and Active Foreign Policy

Indonesia’s foreign policy is shaped by various factors such as the nation’s history, its geographic conditions, its demography, and its security and national interest. These factors prompted Indonesia to adopt a foreign policy that is independent, in which Indonesia alone will decide and determine its own position on world issues without external pressures or influence, and active, as Indonesia has been committed to participating in constructive efforts that help build and maintain a just and peaceful world since 1948.

Indonesia under the President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has maintained a new interpretation of independent and active foreign policy for the 21st century. In this globalisation and information era, Indonesia’s foreign policy is likened with “navigating a turbulent ocean”, associating itself with directions with which Indonesia could steer its way in the turbulent environment caused by the forces of globalisation.

Following such tenet, Indonesia’s foreign policy would be even more geared towards a constructive mindset, to be able to respond to complex foreign policy issues and to turn adversaries into friends, friends into partners. Indeed, Indonesia have implemented such approach with the formation of strategic partnerships in the new Asia-Africa framework of cooperation and in bilateral framework with Indonesia and China. It would be focused on building connectivity, to engage in healthy and active relations with the wider world, particularly with neighbouring countries, major and emerging powers, key countries in other regions, international institutions, and non-state actors. Indonesia’s strategic posture shall be aimed always at strengthening regional and international peace and stability, never at threatening its neighbours.

With regard to the policy of non-alignment, while Indonesia maintains its policy of not entering into military alliances and allowing foreign military bases in its territory, Indonesia would still pursue military cooperation with other countries to build its capacity through such means as joint military exercises or sharing of information, particularly to fight the war on terrorism.

Not the least important, Indonesia’s independent and active foreign policy in the 21st century would focus on projecting an international identity for Indonesia, expectedly taking on constructive roles in the international community “as a peacemaker and a bridge-builder” for relations among developing countries, as well as between developing and developed countries.

Indonesia is working to reach its national objectives and overcome domestic and international challenges, making efforts at:

• Restoring Indonesia’s international image;
• Helping boost the economy and public welfare;
• Helping strengthen national unity, stability and integrity, and preserve the nation’s sovereignty; and
• Developing bilateral relations, particularly with countries that can support Indonesia’s trade and investment and economic recovery; as well as promote international cooperation that helps build and maintain world peace.

To ensure that these goals are within reach, the Department of Foreign Affairs puts emphasis on diplomatic cooperation with countries that are within a series of concentric circles, as follows:
I. ASEAN
II. ASEAN +3, East Asia Summit (EAS)
III. Pacific Countries, India and the wider range of Asia Pacific bi-regional frameworks
IV. Developing Countries, NAM, OIC, Group of 77, Group of 15
V. Global level

The first of such concentric circles, which Indonesia considers a major pillar of its foreign policy, is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The second concentric circle is the ASEAN + 3 (the three being Japan, China and South Korea). Beyond that, Indonesia puts a premium on its relations with the United States and the European Union, both of which are major economic partners of Indonesia.

National interests are eternal in nature, yet they are dependent to other countries’ interests. Differences in interest may lead to potential conflict among countries, but the ability to bridge over the differences and find a common basic ground of interests will increase our leverage in bargaining power.

Therefore, the conduct of foreign policy must emphasize and put forward a dialogue process and mutually beneficial cooperation, based on the principles of equality and mutual understanding among nations. This is in line with the spirit of paragraph IV (four) of the 1945 Constitution’s Preamble, which clearly obliges the nation to continuously make efforts in creating a peaceful, prosperous and just world order that upholds the values of genuine amity and cooperation among countries.

The basic strategic approach in the conduct of Indonesia’s foreign policy emphasizes the approach of concentric circles. This strategy is practiced by taking into account the geographical closeness and sphere of influence of the external environment toward Indonesia. Indonesia believes that the closest surroundings will create a relatively greater impact to every aspects of domestic situation in Indonesia. This shows that both domestic and external situations have impacts on the practice of Indonesian Foreign Policy.

In the inner circle lied ASEAN and its additional institutional frameworks and mechanisms. The reason to maintain ASEAN at the core of foreign policy implementation in the region is that the recent developments within ASEAN have made the case how ASEAN has become more relevant and practical to the common efforts of creating the region’s political and economic order. Furthermore, the adoption of the 1967 TAC by ASEAN’s partners signifies the important recognition on the success of ASEAN’s mechanisms and institutions in bringing order and flourishing the inter and intra regional cooperative networks in Southeast Asia and even in East Asia and Pacific.

Putting ASEAN at the centre of foreign policy achievement in the region means to make efforts to put ASEAN as the centre of gravity of multifaceted international cooperation in Asia and Pacific. In this relation, foreign policy in the region has been concentrated on enlarging, integrating and improving the ASEAN’s structure and mechanisms. The successful examples for this are the agreement on gradual establishment of ASEAN Community through its three pillars of ASEAN Economic Community, ASEAN Security Community and ASEAN Socio-cultural Community.

Another successful example is, Indonesia, within the ASEAN framework, has successfully convened the Special ASEAN Leaders' Meeting on the Earthquake and Tsunami in Jakarta, on 6 January 2005. The meeting is an emergency meeting, which is intended to produce a transparent and concrete outcome, to help people in the Indian Ocean region that severely need assistance. The issues that were extensively being discussed are, among others, how to mitigate the burden of afflicted countries, how to prevent high number of death in the future disasters, how is the role of the United Nations as well as other international organizations, what are the needed measures to ensure the availability of sustainable funding, and how to develop an effective early warning system for the region.

The Summit has generated positive and massive humanitarian assistance from international community, as reflected in generous commitment and contribution including the offer for Indonesian debt moratorium. To ensure the effectiveness of the relief distribution, the Summit requested the United Nations to mobilize international support, and appoint a Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to increase coordination among donor countries, international organizations and non-governmental organizations in assisting government of affected countries.

These are basically part of the steps taken by Indonesia to promote humanitarian diplomacy. In essence, the humanitarian diplomacy focuses on diplomatic efforts in generating and nurturing ethical and humanity values in international relations. This includes efforts to promote global solidarity, to encourage the “we feeling” among nations, and ultimately to actualise joint actions to address a humanitarian tragedy.

In the same spirit, the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and other international financial institutions have also committed to contributing in provision of the necessary fund for the viability and sustainability of national rehabilitation and reconstruction programs

The second circle, Indonesia’s foreign policy has also been aimed at establishing, developing and strengthening the dialogue and cooperative frameworks with East Asian countries. The valid base for highlighting the importance of East Asia -- home to more than 2 billions of people with US$ 7 trillions economic power -- is that the region has a significant political and economic influence on Indonesia’s economy and the region’s effort in creating mutual understanding, common prosperity and perpetual peace in East Asia. In this regard, our foreign policy implementation in the region is aimed at developing feasible and mutually advantageous institutional mechanisms of dialogue and cooperation.

The same strategy is also applied to the further surrounding environment of the Pacific countries, India and the wider range of Asia-Africa bi-regional frameworks. Regarding to the latter, Indonesia will host the Asia-Africa Summit this year as part of the golden jubilee of the Asia-Africa Summit and the revitalization of the Bandung Spirit. The conference is strategic to Indonesian foreign policy since it is not only reinforcing Indonesian diplomatic posture, but also will further promote cooperation between the two continents through the establishment of The New Asia-African Strategic Partnership (NAASP).

In compliance with the 1945 Constitution, Indonesia also gives importance to working with like-minded developing countries. That is why Indonesia is deeply involved with the Non-aligned Movement (NAM), the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the Group of 77 (G -77) and the Group of 15 (G-15). It is in this context that Indonesia remains supportive of the struggle of the people of Palestine toward the establishment of an independent Palestinian State within their own homeland.

Indonesia’s diplomacy also aims to solidify the collective effort of developing countries to bridge the gap between the developed and the developing countries. The forums that address this problem are the NAM, OIC, G-15, G-77 and D-8, in all of which Indonesia plays an active role.

At the global level, Indonesia hopes tostrengthen multilateralism through the United Nations. It emphasizes the latter’s central role in resolving international issues of peace and security. In line with the UN Charter, the issue of peace and security is a collective responsibility of all member states through the mandate and the mechanism entrusted to the Security Council. Accordingly, Indonesia rejects all manners of unilateral decisions taken outside of the framework of the UN.

In line with the total diplomacy inniciated by Indonesian Foreign Ministry, Hassan Wirajuda, all elements of the society could play important role in diplomacy. Diplomacy is not a domain of government and diplomats anymore. Therefore, a synergy between governement agents and society in conducting diplomacy is an important element of the total diplomacy. Moreover, in the globalization era, inter-relations between intenasional and domestic (intermestic) element of international relations could not be avoided. The domestic and international factors of foreign policy is close ever since. It has implication to the changing issues in internasional relations which used to be predominated by state to state relations shifting to the non-traditional issues such as human security (Avian influenza, HIV/AIDS), good governance, poverty alleviation and democratization have dominated the world affairs.

Relating to the intermestic nature of foreign policy, Indonesia’s democratization process has gained a wide-spead recognation and appreciation from international society. It creates an image of Indonesia as the third-largest democratic country in the world. In the economic sectors, during year 2005, Indonesia’s national growth was 5.5% and it was above the average growth of the ASEAN member -countries. Moreover, Indonesia’s success in handling the Aceh issue was a big success for Indonesia’s diplomacy. The Aceh peace process projected the crucial role of democracy in the conflict settlement.


IV. Indonesia’s Foreign Policy in Asia – Pasific and Africa

Indonesia has interest for this region to have a dinamic economic growth and stability to give a conducive environment for Indonesia’s national development. Indonesia implements foreign policy through a series of concentric circles and Asia – Pacific and African Region is in the inner circle of Indonesia’s foreign policy. Several measures taken bilaterally and regionally to increase cooperation with the region such as through APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation), IOR-ARC (Indian Ocean Rim – Association for Regional Cooperation), PIF (Pacific Islands Forum), SwPD (Southwest Pacific Dialogue), AASROC (Asian-African Sub-Regional Organizations Conference) and NAASP (New Asia-Africa Strategic Partnership). Indonesia’s diplomacy in the region is also increased through second track diplomacy such as people to people contact and bussiness to bussiness contact.

Rapid development in this region has become a concern for Indonesia’s foreign policy makers. Now the world witness a rapid development in China and India, becoming economic powers in the region. Such development creates a new dinamics in economic relations among the regional countries which at the end give a spill-over to the political and security relations.

Moreover, a declining relations between Japan and China is an influencial factor in the regional development as stable relations between the two major-powers is the interest for the regional countries.



East Asia Summit (EAS)

ASEAN has an important role in integration process in Southeast Asia particularly and in Asia more broadly. This integration process is shown with ASEAN Agreement to create ASEAN Community in 2020 which has three pillars: economic community, political community and socio-cultural community. In a broader agenda, ASEAN initiated an integration process in East Asia by the establishment of East Asia Summit (EAS). EAS is inclusive in nature, with three essential requirements: Having a dialogue partner status with ASEAN, maintaining a substantial degree of relations with ASEAN, and demonstrating strong commitments to accede to ASEAN’s Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) as the underlying set of principles for cooperation in the region. An inclusive East Asian Summit fully equipped with well-defined modalities, with regard to norms, institutions, and programs, should complement the development of ASEAN Community processes, thus ensuring lasting peace, stability, and progress in East Asia. Indeed, the broadening of participation in the Summit should go beyond natural boundaries of East Asia and include not only China, Japan, and Korea, but also India, Australia, and New Zealand. This arrangement should keep the balance in the East Asian Community, at the same time guaranteeing openness and transparency in the process of regional integration.

The first East Asia Summit was successfully held on 14 December 2005. The meeting was attended by Heads of state / government of ASEAN, Australia, The People’s Republic of China, the Republic of India, Japan, the Republic of Korea and New Zealand. In this meeting, the heads of state / government exchanged view on the recent development in the region, economic development, energy security, international terrorism, maritime security as well as the need to address the threat of infectious diseases. The meeting also discussed sustainable development, technology transfer, trade and investment related issues, challenges to socio – economic development namely poverty, development gap, capacity building and issue related to good governance and promotion of human rights and democracy. Indeed, the first summit reiterated their agreement that East Asia Summit would remain open and outward looking, with ASEAN as the driving force working in partnership with the other participant of the East Asia Summit.



With the neighbouring countries, Indonesia maintains the importance of border diplomacy to maintain the Indonesia’s national integrity.

Indonesia-Singapore relations undergo a rapid development. One development is marked by the commencement of dialogue on the settlement of bilateral issues, namely extradition treaty and maritime boundaries issues between the two countries. Indonesian government welcomes Singapore willingness to begin discussion on martime boundaries. The two countries has also agreed on increasing cooperation in defence sector, terrorism eradication, joint effort to fight avian influenza, and cooperation in tourism promotion sector.

In relations with Timor Leste, Indonesia and Timor Leste established Commission of Truth and Friendship (CTF) on 14th of December 2004 with a secretariat in Bali. Through this commission, the reconsiliation between Indonesia and Timor Leste could be strengthened to conduct cooperation for the two countries developments.

In its relations with the Middle east, Indonesia notices the development of the region to a better condition. Indonesia sees the Middle East as an important region for Indonesia’s foreign policy since Indonesia has close relations through Islam and history.


V. Indonesia’s Foreign Policy in America and Europe

Indonesia mantains close relations with America and Europe. Overall, Indonesia’s relations with American and European Continents during 2005 underwent a major development.

Indonesia-US relations in political-security, economy, education, investment and energy sectors undergoes a major development. The US Government has lifted up its weapons embargo to Indonesia and resume Indonesia’s participation on international Military Education Training (IMET). The two countries continue Indonesia – US Security Dialogue (IUSSD) and Bilateral Defence Discussion (BDD).

In relations with Canada, Canada shows a consistent suppor for Indonesia’s national integration. Canada gives aids for capacity building in Indonesia, particularly in counter-terrorism related to nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.

Indonesia’s cooperation with the Latin America shows crucial developemt particularly in economic and technical cooperation.

With the success of reformation process and the signing of MoU between the Government of Indonesia and Free Aceh Movement (GAM), and Indonesia’s success in capturing terorist mastermind in Southeast Asia (Azahari Nurdin), European countries sees Indonesia as an important partner in Southeast Asia. For Indonesia, the dynamics of political divelopment, in the Central and East Europe, particularly relating the accesion of several countries to European Union and NATO, has created a new oppurtunity as well as challenge for Indonesia’s foreign Policy regarding the implementation of independent and active foreign policy.

The European countries have always support Indonesia’s national integration and Europe is an important region for Indonesia’s foreign policy. In economic sectors, West Europe is the main market for Indonesia’s export. This region is also the main source of investments to Indonesia. Therefore it is imperative to accelerate Indonesia’s diplomacy with this continent, which has been done by DFA through Bilateral Consultative Forum, Joint/Mixed Commisssion; trade, investment and tourism promotion; as well as maintaining people to peole and business to business contact. The bilateral realtions between Indonesia and West Europe is prioratized in sectors related to terorism issue, democratization, good governance and environemnt.


VI. Current Issues in Indonesia’s Foreign Policy

VII. Closing




13 Jun 2006 06:09Current Issues in Indonesia's Foreign Policy

A. Terrorism.

In the issue of terrorism, intensive measures has been done by Indonesia nationally and through regional cooperation. Indonesia has consistently supported the United Nations in its counter-terrorism programme and strategy, particularly the adoption of the UN Convention against Transnational Crimes and its Protocols in 2000, to combat these complex issues that threaten our common well-being. In its efforts to strengthen its institutional and legal infrastructure, Indonesia has done the followings:

1. Implementing the decisions of the 20th UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) into a national plan of action to combat illicit drugs. This includes prevention, treatment, law enforcement, and legal reform. Indonesia established a central agency, the National Narcotics Board, in 2002 and continues to apply severe punishment to drug traffickers.
2. Implementing the outcomes of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime to counter persons trafficking. Meanwhile, Indonesia is also ratifying the Transnational Organized Crime Convention and its Protocols on Trafficking in Persons and on Smuggling of Migrants.
3. Enacted the Anti-Money Laundering Act no.15/2002 and its amendment Law no. 15/2003. Indonesian government established a financial intelligence unit, the Financial Transaction Report and Analysis Center (known as PPATK), and a ministerial-level coordination committee on money laundering. One of goals to fight against money laundering activities is to deny terrorists access to funding.

Indonesia has ratified 4 of 12 international instruments and signed two (2) conventions concerning terrorism, and preparing ratification on "International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (1999)" and preparing the accession on "International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombing (1997).

To further strengthen the region's counter-terrorism effort, especially in the areas of law enforcement, intelligence, information sharing and legal frameworks, Indonesia, together with Australia initiated and co-hosted the Bali Ministerial Meeting on Counter-Terrorism in 4-5 February 2004. The meeting, attended by Asia-Pacific ministers of foreign affairs and law enforcement, and their counterparts from other countries have agreed on a number of recommendations on counter terrorism actions, and their follow-up arrangements, particularly through the establishment of working groups on law enforcement practitioners and regional legal issues. The Ministerial Meeting also endorsed the decision by Indonesia and Australia to establish the Jakarta Center for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC). JCLEC was established in Semarang in July 2004 and was fully operated in December 2004. JCLEC functions as a forum for improving regional capacity to counter terrorism and other trans-national crime. In the 25th ASEANAPOL conducted in Bali in Mei 2005, Police Agency from the ASEAN Countries has agreed to increase police professionalism and to strengthen cooperation among police agency to eridicate terrorism activity and other trans-national crime.

B. Border Diplomacy

National integrity is a concern of the Indonesia’s diplomacy therefore maintaining the existing country’s borders and negotiation in border related conflicts are premier concern.

With Malaysia, Indonesia and Malaysia has set up a General Border Commmittee to discuss any border related problems. Indonesia will always pursue diplomacy in settling the border related conflicts as using force will not be beneficial for the conflcting countries.

With the Phillippines, Indonesia has Joint permanent Working Group on Maritime and Ocean Concerns to discuss Indonesia-the Phillippines Maritime border and cooperation in fishery sector.

With Singapore, extradiction and maratime border issue has been in preliminary discussion between the two governents.

With the Timor Leste, Indonesia-Timor Leste signed land borders during the visit of the Timor Leste President on 8-9 April 2005. With this agreement, 96% of the land border between the two countries has been settled.

With the PNG, Indonesia and PNG continues to support border area development. This development reflects Indonesia’s commitment to bolster Indonesa’s relation with the Melanesian Brotherhood.

C. Iranian nuclear Issue

Indonesia concerns that the negotiation on the Iran nuclear issue will conclude in peaceful solution, as the consequence of bringing this issue to the UN Security Council will create new issues and conflict which is contradictive to the reasonable solution to the main issue. The failure to handle the Iranian nuclear issue will create another issue unbeneficial to the international community. Russia’s offer to Iran to do the nuclear enrichment in Russia seems to lead to the peaceful solution.

Indonesia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs maintains that the Iran nuclear issue would be best solved through dialogue and negotiations. He insisted that the concerning parties not to take a rush action to bring the case to the Security Council. Indonesia is in support for Iran to cooperate with the IAEA to eliminate any doubts over Iran’s intention to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purpose. Furthermore, Iran openly response to Indonesia’s advice by maintaining its willingness to maximize the dialogue process with Russia, Britain, Germany and France.

Indonesia urged the western countries not to bring the Iran nuclear issue to the UN Security Council in a rush. For such purpose, Indonesia’s President Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Tuesday, 31 January 2005 called for the Ambassadors of China, Russia, the US, France, Britain and Germany to iterate Indonesia’s position on that regards.

On the other hand, Indonesia urged Iran as the signatory to the NPT not to develop nuclear weapon. However Iran has the right under the NPT to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purpose. Indonesia gave advice to Iran to consider the option offered by Russia to do the nuclear enrichment in Russia.

D. Palestinian – Israeli Conflicts

HAMAS winning in the Palestinian election has brough a new challenge for the peace process in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, since HAMAS is well-known for the hardliner. The US and Europe halts its financial aids to the Palestinian Authority.

For Indonesia, the materialization of free and independent Palestine is still the main concern of Indonesia’s foreign policy in the Middle East. However, Indonesia urges the Palestinian independent process should be through negotation and peaceful way.

E. Indonesia – Australia Relations

Indonesia-Australia relations is on its lowest point due to the issuance of Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) by the Australian Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) to the 42 out of 43 Assylum seekers from Papua Province of Indonesia. Indonesia’s government has protested to the DIMIA’s decision.

The two countries is working together to settle the problem through diplomacy. Lack of understanding of the both-sides domestic politics has created diplomatic row. However, as neighbouring countries, Indonesia and Australia should maintain peaceful co-existance as the two countries had signed joint declaration on comprehensive partnership in April 2005.

13 Jun 2006 06:11Closing

DFA is the institution responsible for foreign policy. However, in this globalization era, DFA is not the only player in foreign relations since there is increasing importance on civil society in this field. In this regard, DFA initiates the conduct of total diplomacy where all elemets of society plays as important role as the other in international relations.

Indonesia’s foreign policy has been an independent and active policy. Such policy has been proven to be able to response the changing environment of international relations. The independent and active foreign policy used to be associated with ‘rowing between two reefs’ during the Cold – War period. However in the post cold war, it is associated with ‘navigating the turbulant ocean’ since the environemnt in the post cold war is more un-predictable than ever.

The changing environment in international relations is marked by the rising of China and India as the economic powers in the Asia Pacific region in which this development could alter the world order. Indonesia’s foreign policy therefore should be able to response all the rapid changing nature of international relations.

In that regard, DFA has issued vision, mission, orientation and target of its foreign policy. Such effort by the DFA has been materialized in the relations with all region in the world. It is shown that during year 2005, Indonesia had been able to increase its relations with most all of the countries on the world through diplomacy, and settling down crucial issues, like MoU with the GAM, its achievement in combatting terorrism, and playing active role in international fora.