Development of Diplomatic Relations between Indonesia and the United States

The development of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the United States has gone through various phases over time, influenced by the dynamics of global politics, economics and security issues. Since Indonesia’s independence in 1945, this relationship has experienced significant ups and downs. In the early 1950s, Indonesia and the US established quite close diplomatic relations. However, tensions began to emerge with the rise of the Non-Aligned Movement and pro-Soviet foreign policy under President Sukarno. This situation caused a significant shift in relations, especially after the 1965 military coup that brought Suharto to power. Under the New Order regime, Indonesia and the US developed closer relations, driven by a shared interest in containing the expansion of communism in Southeast Asia. Entering the reform era at the end of the 1990s, the relationship between the two underwent a transformation. Indonesia is trying to strengthen its position as a democratic country, while the US supports this political transition. On 9/11, the impact of global terrorism prompted the two countries to cooperate more closely in the areas of security and intelligence. In this context, Indonesia is key in the US strategy towards Southeast Asian security. Relations between the two countries continued to develop in the 2000s, with cooperation in the education, trade and investment sectors. Bilateral meetings between leaders of the two countries, such as President Obama’s visit to Indonesia in 2010, marked the US’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. The American-Indonesian partnership program was launched to address issues such as climate change, an inclusive economy and strengthening democracy. Under President Jokowi’s administration, this relationship has been further strengthened with an emphasis on economic cooperation. Indonesia is seen as a strategic partner in ASEAN. The commitment to increase trade through US Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Indonesia shows increasing trust, with the aim of achieving a trade target of 60 billion US dollars between the two countries. Human rights and environmental issues are also starting to become a concern in this relationship. Nevertheless, both countries are trying to find common ground to increase transparency and open dialogue regarding these sensitive issues, while establishing a mutually beneficial partnership. In a geopolitical context, the shift in power in the Asia Pacific region has made Indonesia an important country in US foreign policy strategy. Partnerships in maritime security and maintaining stability in the South China Sea demonstrate the strategic aspects of this relationship. Overall, the development of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the United States reflects complex geopolitical dynamics. With increasingly close interactions in various fields, it is hoped that the two countries will continue to find ways to collaborate, strengthen economic growth and build regional stability for a better future.