Indonesia’s new President, his controversial past, and strategic importance

Source: The post Indonesia’s new President, his controversial past, and strategic importance has been created, based on the article “With Indonesia, India’s opportunity and Beijing’s eye” published in “Indian Express” on 12th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Context: The article highlights India’s neglect of Indonesia, its vital maritime neighbor, over decades. It discusses Indonesia’s new President Prabowo Subianto, his controversial past, and strategic importance. It urges India to strengthen ties with Indonesia to counter China’s growing influence.

Who is Indonesia’s new president?

1. Prabowo Subianto became Indonesia’s president on October 20, succeeding Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
2. Jokowi’s son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, is the new vice president, providing political continuity.
3. Prabowo is a nationalist with a controversial past, including allegations of human rights abuses.
4. Prabowo’s grandfather founded Bank Negara Indonesia, briefly Indonesia’s central bank.
5. His father served as a minister under both Sukarno and Suharto, showing political flexibility.
6. Prabowo himself served in elite military roles under Suharto but lost favor after Suharto’s ouster in 1998.

What is Indonesia’s relationship with China and the US?

1. Prabowo chose China for his first visit as president, despite a Chinese coast guard ship intruding into Indonesian waters on October 26.
2. Relations with the US remain cautious due to his human rights record.
3. Indonesia is wary of China’s aggressive economic and geopolitical influence.

What are India and Indonesia’s ties?

1. In 1947, Indian aviator Biju Patnaik rescued key Indonesian leaders from Dutch forces.
2. The Bandung Conference (1955), co-led by India and Indonesia, laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement.
3. During colonial conflicts, Indian troops fought in Indonesia, which complicates historical narratives.
4. Relations were strained during Suharto’s rule, especially after India’s tilt towards the USSR in 1971.
5. Ties improved under Jokowi, with joint projects like the Sabang port development near the Nicobar Islands.
6. Indonesia sees India as a partner in countering China’s maritime assertiveness.

Why is Indonesia important for India?

1. Indonesia is ASEAN’s largest nation and a major exporter of resources like coal, rubber, palm oil, nickel, and tin.
2. These exports complement India’s growing manufacturing sector and EV battery needs.
3. Cooperation opportunities exist for India’s service professionals to reduce Indonesia’s business costs.
4. The Arjuna Wijaya statue in Jakarta, depicting Arjun and Krishna, reflects the civilizational ties between the two nations.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the significance of strengthening India-Indonesia relations in the context of historical ties, strategic importance, and countering China’s influence.