Indonesian President Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudoyono was the Chief Guest for India’s Republic Day today. The re-emergence of cordial ties in this new decade brings to both the countries some new opportunities.
Bonded with trust and hope of two great leaders of the Independence era Sukarno, first president of Indonesia and Pandit Nehru, First PM of India, who laid down the foundation of Non Alignment Movement at Bandung Conference, 1955; the India-Indonesia ties have significant geo-political relevance in the present era too.
Historical background
The name Indonesia derives from the Latin Indus, meaning "India", and the Greek nesos, meaning "island". (due to the similarity of the culture in both regions). The name dates to the 18th century, far predating the formation of independent Indonesia.
Indian cultural ties with the present Indian Ocean Region dates back to ancient times . The Brahmi scripts, text of Ramayana and ancient trade links were the foundation of Indian relations in the region. It can be termed more as people oriented contact as the traces can be seen even today .
The "Bali Jatra" event celebrated with fanfare in the eastern Indian state of Odisha where “Boita Bandano” (ship sailing festival) is organized on the month of November, when the monsoon wind changes direction. In ancient times, this wind marked the sailing of commercial ship to Bali. The festival is similar to the 'Masakapan Ke Tukad' festival of Bali, and to the 'Loi Krathong' festival of Thailand, both of which involve ritualistic floating of model boats around the same time of year.
Economic relations
Post 1991 crisis , India has adopted a ‘Look East Policy ‘ for reviving economic ties with the south asian region. The East Asian crisis had slowed down the pace of revival of economic relations with tiger economies at the dawn of the 21st century. The India –Indonesia relation has seen major downs in the recent past where,the two countries have been at loggerheads over differences pertaining to the India-ASEAN FTA.
Indonesia has been pushing for greater access of its palm oil exports to India while India wants a reworking of the negative list put forward by Indonesia. Further, at a bilateral level, there are also issues pertaining to the Indian demand for the removal of non-tariff barriers on its exports of meat and processed foods. Though India is one of the largest exporters of halal bovine meat in the world,Indonesia continues to ban India's bovine meat and milk products on the grounds that India is not free from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
Geo-Political Significance
India and Indonesia have a maritime boundary and together control the entry point from the Indian Ocean to the Bay of Bengal in the north and Malacca Straits to the east. Indonesia is the world’s most populous Islamic country and is committed to pluralism and democracy. In the context of India’s ‘Look East Policy’, it is the largest and most influential member of the ASEAN. As India prepares and works towards political and economic convergence with the region, Indonesia’s role is critical and its support is vital.
The major trade sea route connecting Indian –ocean region and pacific ocean region ,which occupies around 40% of total sea trade lies between the nations. Hence, security concerns of trade link captures a global relevance. Security forces of both nations have been coordinating for the safety and security of the trade route. China , USA ,Japan have all shown interest for combat exercise in the region in the past.
In the present global context of climate change, terrorism, economic –globalism, both India and Indonesia have to look beyond catapulting their natural and human resources. The major threats of political crisis, corrupt governance, separatist actions have been a road block in the relations. India’s Look East policy not only conforms to economic relations but also to cultural ties and there revival. Indian Industries like Aditya Birla group, TATA’s , Bajaj Auto , TVS –group ,ONGC,RITES have taken forward the economic initiative but an equal response is still awaited from Indonesia.
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Abhilash Mohapatra's timely piece hits the bull's eye. However, Republic Day Guests have become more of a symbolic nature than anything else. For instance, Kazakh President was also accorded a similar status. But what is India's present relations with the Central Asian states?
Another trivia, Mr Biju Patnaik was very instrumental in assisting Indonesia with its bout for Independence from the Dutch in 1947.
ReplyDeleteOn a more serious note, this is another example of why India needs not only to "Look East" but also "Engage East"..
technically india does engage east when it comes to import and export, shops of karol bagh,lajpat,sarojini in delhi are flooded with goods,utilising FTA, similarly in other markets across country ,but we cant showcase it, reason: U gain headlines when u interact with developed nations!!!
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