The history of Indonesia’s diplomatic relations with neighboring countries reflects the diverse cultural and political richness of the Southeast Asian region. Since independence in 1945, Indonesia has built significant relations with neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Australia. One of the landmarks of Indonesian diplomacy is the formation of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) in 1967. This organization aims to increase political and economic cooperation between member countries. With ASEAN, Indonesia plays an active role in building regional stability and security, as well as encouraging economic cooperation. In relations with Malaysia, Indonesia and Malaysia have strong cultural ties, despite challenges such as territorial disputes and the issue of migrant workers. Diplomacy between the two countries is often carried out through high-level dialogue to resolve this problem. For example, bilateral meetings between the leaders of the two countries are often held to strengthen cooperation in various fields, including security and trade. Singapore, as its closest neighbor, also has a complex relationship with Indonesia. Trade and investment are the main focus, but environmental issues such as forest fires in Sumatra are often a source of tension. Indonesia is trying to prioritize green diplomacy with Singapore, in facing this environmental challenge. With Thailand, Indonesia’s diplomatic relations are characterized by cooperation in the fields of tourism and trade. The two countries have held a series of forums to strengthen economic and social relations, thereby creating mutual trust between leaders. On the other hand, with the Philippines, Indonesia is involved in maritime security cooperation to overcome the problem of kidnapping in Sulu and Celebes waters. The trilateral agreement between Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia was strengthened to maintain stability in these waters. Australia, although not a direct neighbor, has an important role in Indonesia’s diplomatic relations. Issues such as handling refugees and defense cooperation are the main focus. Despite the ups and downs in bilateral relations, both countries are trying to improve relations through open dialogue and exchange programs. In a broader context, Indonesia’s relations with neighboring countries are also influenced by global dynamics. In this information era, Indonesia seeks to strengthen its diplomatic position by prioritizing democratic values, human rights and sustainable development. Indonesia’s participation in international forums such as the G20 and the APEC Summit shows its commitment to becoming a key player on the world stage. Through multilateral and bilateral approaches, Indonesia continues to collaborate closely with neighboring countries, opening up new opportunities for regional growth and stability. This long journey of diplomacy shows the importance of dialogue in resolving problems, as well as the potential for collaboration in the future.
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- Exploring the History of Indonesia’s Diplomatic Relations with Neighboring Countries