INDIA-INDONESIA BILATERAL RELATIONS
India and Indonesia have shared two millennia of close cultural and commercial contacts. The Hindu, Buddhist and later Muslim faith travelled to Indonesia from the shores of India. The stories from great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata form source of Indonesian folk art and dramas. The shared culture, colonial history and post-independence goals of political sovereignty, economic self-sufficiency and independent foreign policy have unifying effect on the bilateral relations.
POLITICAL RELATIONS
Owing to struggle against colonial powers, democratic traditions, pluralist culture, and progressive leadership which both countries shared, India and Indonesia developed friendly relations. President Sukarno of Indonesia was the Guest of Honour during the first Republic Day of India in 1950. Independent India and Indonesia became chief votaries of independence of Asian and African countries, the spirit which led to historic Bandung Conference of 1955 and later formation of Non-Aligned Movement in 1961. Since the adoption of India’s ‘Look East Policy’ in 1991, there has been a rapid development of bilateral relations in political, security, defence, commercial and cultural fields. The current Government expressed its intent to further deepen the engagement with East Asia and by renaming the policy as “Act East”.
IMPORTANT VISITS AND ENGAGEMENTS
Telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joko Widodo in April 2020 – Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held telephonic discussion with President Joko Widodo on dealing with health and economic challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic, especially ensuring uninterrupted supply of medical and pharmaceutical products.
Meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President Joko Widodo in November 2019: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met with the President of Indonesia Mr. Joko Widodo a the sidelines of ASEAN Summit in Bangkok on 3 November 2019 during which the two leaders discussed to work closely to deal with the threats of terrorism and extremism. Being two close maritime neighbors, They resolved to focus on connectivity, trade & investment and Indo-Pacific.
Meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President Joko Widodo in June 2019 during G20 Summit in Osaka: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Joko Widodo met in the sidelines of G20 Summit at INTEX Osaka, Japan on 29 June 2019 where they discussed about enhancing economic and maritime cooperation between the two countries. They reiterated the commitment to achieve the target of US$50 billion bilateral trade by 2025 and expand maritime connectivity – physical, economic & people-to-people between Aceh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2018: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Jakarta on 29-30 May 2018 at the invitation of the President of Indonesia Mr. Joko Widodo. During this visit, both Leaders sagreed to strengthen cooperation in all areas by establishing a New Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to take Indonesia and India’s bilateral relationship into a new era. During the visit, 15 agreements/MoUs were signed between the two countries including 9 G2G MoUs in the areas defence cooperation, cooperation in the exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful purposes, Scientific and Technological Cooperation, Technical Cooperation in Railways sector, Health Cooperation, on Pharmaceutical, Biological and Cosmetics Regulatory Functions, on Policy dialogue between Governments and Interaction between Think Tanks. Both sides also agreed on a Shared Vision of India-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The Prime Minister and the President also jointly inaugurated the Kite Exhibition which was based on the theme of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Both Leaders acknowledged the Recommendations and Outcome Document submitted by the members of India Indonesia CEOs’ Forum. The Leaders further instructed the regular convening of the forum and expansion of business sectors as it could function as constructive measure to tap more opportunities and potentials in developing bilateral cooperation in trade and investment.
Visit of President Joko Widodo to India for ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit: President of Indonesia Joko Widodo visited New Delhi from 25-26 January, 2018 to be Chief Guest at the 69th Republic day celebrations of India along with other Heads of States of ASEAN countries and to participate in the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit. President Jokowi held a bilateral meeting with PM Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Summit on 25 January 2018. The two leaders discussed issues of bilateral interest, including efforts for increasing economic cooperation as the bilateral trade between the two countries had enormous potential. President Jokowi also invited PM Narendra Modi to visit Indonesia in 2018.
Visit of President Joko Widodo to India in December 2016: Mr. Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia paid a State visit to India from 12-13 December, 2016 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. President Joko Widodo and Prime Minister Modi held talks and reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations. Three agreements were signed during the visit: MoU on Youth Affairs and Sports Cooperation; MoU on Standardization Cooperation; and Joint Communique on Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) Fishing and To Promote Sustainable Fisheries Governance. The two sides also issued a Joint Statement; A Statement on Maritime Cooperation which mandates both sides to draw up a MoU for cooperation in this area; and agreed to annual meetings of the leaders. The two sides agreed to commence Strategic Dialogue, Security Dialogue and to negotiate a new Comprehensive Defence Cooperation Agreement. The India-Indonesia Eminent Persons Group submitted its report to Mrs. Retno Marsudi, Foreign Minister of Indonesia and H.E. Shri M.J. Akbar, Minister of State for External Affairs on 12 December 2016.
Meeting between PM Narendra Modi & President Joko Widodo in November 2014: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Joko Widodo of Indonesia in Nay Pyi Taw on 13 November 2014 on the sidelines of 25th ASEAN Summit. In the meeting, Prime Minister invited President Jokowi to India and President Jokowi invited Indian companies to invest in Indonesia, especially in energy, infrastructure and manufacturing industries. Both leaders underscored the importance of effective implementation of the five-point initiative for strengthening India-Indonesia Strategic Cooperation; on early convening of the JWGs on Energy and Coal; to task the Foreign Ministers to ensure early constitution of the India-Indonesia Eminent Persons Group (EPG) and early convening of its meeting to review existing cooperation and recommend a practicable roadmap for future cooperation; and regular meeting of the bilateral Joint Commission headed by Foreign Ministers, as also holding other Ministerial Meetings with increased frequency.
Visit of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in October 2013: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh visited Indonesia on 10-12 October 2013. During the visit, MOUs on the issues such as combating illicit trafficking in Narcotic drugs; cooperation in disaster management; and cooperation in combating corruption were signed. Both leaders agreed to adopt a five-pronged initiative for strengthening the Strategic Partnership in the areas of Strategic Engagement, Defence and Security Cooperation, Comprehensive Economic Partnership, Cultural and People-to-People Links and Cooperation in Responding to Common Challenges.
Visit of President Yudhoyono in January 2011: During the State Visit of President Mr S. B. Yudhoyono to India in 2005, the two countries signed a Joint Declaration on Establishing a Strategic Partnership. In January 2011, President Yudhoyono visited India as the Chief Guest on the occasion of India’s Republic Day. During the visit, 16 Inter-Governmental Agreements were signed which included an Extradition Treaty, Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty, and MoUs on Establishing a Biennial Trade Ministers’ Forum, Cooperation in Oil and Gas and Cooperation in Science and Technology. It was agreed to organize regular meetings of Defense, Home, Oil and Gas, Coal, Power, Renewable Energy, Science and Technology, Tourism, Health and Education Ministers. India and Indonesia agreed to launch negotiations for a Bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and to organize a Trade and Investment Forum, an Energy Forum and a CEO’s Forum alternately in either country.
Visit of Vice President Mr. Mohammad Hamid Ansari at IORA Leaders’ summit: Mr. Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India, represented India in Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Leaders’ Summit held in Jakarta from on 7 March 2017. Gen. (Retd.) V. K. Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs represented India in IORA Council of Ministers Meeting held on 6 March 2017.
Visit of Vice President of India in November 2015: Shri M. Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India visited Indonesia from 1-4 November 2015. Three MOUs were signed during the visit of Vice President viz. MOU on cooperation in the field of Culture; MOU on cooperation in new and renewal energy; and MOU for establishment of an Ayurveda Chair in Faculty of Medicine at Sudirman Campus, Denpasar, Bali. Vice President unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Udayana University, Bali.
OTHER IMPORTANT MINISTERIAL VISITS FROM INDIA
Visit of External Affairs Minister to Jakarta – Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister (EAM) paid an official visit to Indonesia on 5th September 2019. This was EAM’s first bilateral visit in the ASEAN region and maiden visit to Indonesia, after assuming charge as External Affairs Minister. During the visit, EAM had a detailed discussions with Foreign Minister of Indonesia Mrs. Retno Marsudi, across a broad spectrum of bilateral relations. He also held meetings with senior leadership of the Indonesian Government, including with General (Retd.) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, and General (Retd) Wiranto, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs. EAM also called on Mr. Jusuf Kalla, Hon’ble Vice President of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia. He called on the former President and Chairwoman of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Mrs Megawati Sukarnoputri and recalling her strong association with India, extended an invitation to visit India at the earliest. At a function held in the evening of 5th September, EAM presided over the web launch of the Representative office of CII in Jakarta. Mr. Thomas Trikasih Lembong, Chairman of Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board was also present at the inaugural function. At the same function, EAM along with Indonesian leadership jointly released a commemorative stamp on Mahatma Gandhi, as part of the ongoing celebrations to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma.
Visit of Raksha Mantri Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman: Raksha Mantri Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman visited Indonesia from 21-24 October 2018 for bilateral talks on defence. In line with the elevation of relationship between the two countries to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the two sides discussed areas of enhancing cooperation, including strengthening maritime and coastal security, through improved information sharing and conduct of specialised training courses. She held discussions with her Indonesian counterpart Gen (Retd) Ryamizard Rycudu, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Gen (Retd) Luhut Panjaitan and Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Gen (Retd) Wiranto during her stay. She also went to Yogyakarta and met with the Governor of Yogyakarta Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwana X.
Visit of MoS of Planning (IC) and Chemical and Fertilizers, Mr. Rao Inderjit Singh: 3rd Para Asian Games were held in Jakarta from 6 October 2018 to 14 October 2018. Hon’ble Minister of Planning (IC) and Chemical and Fertilizers, Mr. Rao Inderjit Singh visited Jakarta from 5-14 October 2018.
Visit of MoS of External Affairs Mr. M.J. Akbar: As a follow up to the visit of Prime Minister of India to Indonesia in May 2018, India and Indonesia held the first Interfaith Dialogue in Yogyakarta from 3-5 October 2018. Minister of State of External Affairs Mr. M.J. Akbar led a 7-member delegation and held discussion with Indonesian delegation which was led by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia Mr. A.M. Fachir. Previously, the Minister of State also visited Indonesia from 28-31 July 2018 to discuss the next steps on convening the 1st India Indonesia Interfaith Dialogue (IIID) in October 2018. During the visit, MOS(MJA) met with Mrs. Retno Marsudi, Foreign Minister of Indonesia, General (Retd). Wiranto, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Dr. Haider Nashir, Chairman of Muhammadiah, and Prof. Dr. KH. Said Aqil Siradj, Chairman of Nahldatul Ulama,
Visit of MoS of Sports and Youth Affairs, Col Rajyawardan Rathore (Retd): 18th Asian Games were held in Jakarta and Palembang from 18 August 2018 to 2 September 2018. Hon’ble Minister of State of Sports and Youth Affairs, Col Rajyawardan Rathore (Retd) visited Jakarta from 25 -29 August 2018.
Visit of EAM to Jakarta for the 5th JCM and the AINTT: External Affairs Minister (EAM) Smt. Sushma Swaraj visited Jakarta for the 5th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) between India and Indonesia and for the ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks (AINTT) meeting on 5-6 January 2018. EAM and FM of Indonesia jointly Co-Chaired the 5th Meeting of the JCM. The two leaders discussed whole gamut of issues – political, defence, trade and investment, culture, tourism, skill development and people to people contact. EAM and FM also jointly inaugurated the 5th ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks. EAM also held talks with Secretary General of ASEAN and discussed strengthening of India’s engagement with ASEAN countries under its “Act East Policy”.
The Minister of State for Food Processing Industries of India Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, visited Jakarta on 21-23 August 2017. She met with the Trade Minister of Indonesia Mr. Enggartiasto Lukita and discussed ways of enhancing the trade especially in food processing sector and related issues.
MoS for External Affairs Shri. M.J. Akbar led a high-level delegation to the ‘2nd IORA Ministerial Blue Economy Conference: Financing Blue Economy’ held in Jakarta from 8-10 May 2017. On the sidelines of the visit, MOS (MJA) held meetings with the Foreign Minister of Indonesia Ms. Retno L.P. Marsudi and the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs of Indonesia Mr. Luhut Pandjaitan. He also met with the Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama, Dr. Aqil Sirodj.
Shri Piyush Goyal, MoS (I/C) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines, visited Jakarta on 20-22 April 2017 for the 1st India-Indonesia Ministerial-level Energy Forum. During the visit, he met with the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Mr. Ignasius Jonan; Minister of Transportation Mr. Budi Karya Sumadi; Chairman of Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board Mr. Thomas Lembong; and Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Mr. Arcandra Tahar.
Mr Kiren Rijiju, Hon’ble Minister of State for Home Affairs, participated in the International Meeting on Counter Terrorism held in Bali on 10 August 2016. During his bilateral meeting with Gen. Wiranto, Coordinating Minister of Political, Legal and Security Affairs of Republic of Indonesia, both sides reviewed all aspects of bilateral cooperation including defence and security cooperation.
RECENT MINISTERIAL VISITS FROM INDONESIA:
Minister of Trade of Indonesia Mr. Agus Suparmanto visited India from 19-21 February 2020 and held meeting with Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal on 20 February 2020.
Foreign Minister of Indonesia Mrs Retno Marsudi visited India to co-chair the 6th Joint Commission Meeting between Indian and Indonesia, with Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, on 13 December 2019. During her visit, she also delivered the keynote address at the Delhi Dialogue XI on 13 December 2019.
Minister of Trade of Indonesia Mr. Enggartiasto Lukita visited India as the leader of the ASEAN troika and held dialogue with India on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in July 2019.
Minister of Trade of Indonesia Mr Enggartiasto Lukita visited India on 21-23 February, 2019 to attend 4th India ASEAN Expo & Summit in New Delhi.
Vice Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia Mr. A.M. Fachir visited India on 19-20 July to attend 10th edition of Delhi Dialogue (DDX) and delivered a speech at the event.
Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Mr. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan visited India on 17-18 May 2018 and had meetings with External Affairs Minister, Commerce and Industry Minister, Minister of State of Civil Aviation and also interacted with members of CII.
Minister of Tourism of Indonesia Mr. Arief Yahya visited India in the inaugural flight between Mumbai and Bali on 23 April along with the President Director of Garuda Indonesia and officials from Angkasa Pura I.
Minister of Trade of Indonesia Mr. Enggartisto Lukita participated at the Informal WTO Ministerial Gathering in New Delhi on 20 March 2018.
Director General for Legal Affairs and International Treaties Dr Ir. Damos Dumoli Agusman, Indonesia (DGLA) visited India on 07-08 March 2018. During the visit, DGLA initiated the talk of India-Indonesia maritime delimitation.
Defence Minister of Indonesia General (Retd) Ryamizard Ryacudu, visited New Delhi from 17-19 January 2018 to participate in India-Indonesia Biennial Defence Ministers' Dialogue on 19 January 2018.
Minister of Trade of Indonesia Mr. Enggartisto Lukita visited New Delhi on 25 September 2017 to participate in 2nd Bilateral Trade Minister’s Forum. He held talks with Mr. Suresh Prabhu, Commerce and Industry Minister and discussed ways and means of enhancing trade and investment.
Minister of National Development Planning of Indonesia Mr. Sofyan Djalil visited New Delhi from 17-19 February 2016 to participate in Delhi Dialogue VIII. Mr. Wiranto, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs visited India on 14-15 March 2017 to participate in the Counter Terrorism Conference (CTC) 2017 held in New Delhi.
Minister of Transportation Mr. Jonan Ignasius led a delegation to India from 12-16 February 2016 at the invitation of Ms. Nirmala Seetharaman, Minister for Commerce & Industry for exploring opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries. He led the delegation to ‘Make in India’ event in Mumbai and met CIM, Minister of Civil Aviation and MoS (Ministry of Railways).
BILATERAL INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS
Joint Commission Meeting: A Joint Commission Mechanism (JCM) was set up at the level of the Foreign Ministers following the signing of an MoU to this effect in January 2001. Led by Smt. Sushma Swaraj, External Affairs Minister and Ms. Retno Marsudi, Indonesian Foreign Minister, the 5th JCM was held on 5 January 2018 in Jakarta. 6th Joint Commission Meeting took place in New Delhi which was co-chaired by EAM Dr. S Jaishankar and Foreign Minister of Indonesia Mrs. Retno Marsudi.
Foreign Office Consultations: As a follow up to the decision taken at the 4th JCM, the first round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOCs) was held in Bali, Indonesia on 17 June 2013. The 4th Indonesia-India Foreign Office Consultation meeting took place in New Delhi, on 15 December 2017. 5th Foreign Office Consultation took place between the two countries on 22 January 2019 at Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
India Indonesia Security Dialogue: During the State visit of Indonesian President Joko Widodo to India on 12-13 December 2016, the two leaders agreed to establish Security Dialogue in order to develop a comprehensive action plan on security cooperation. Accordingly, Gen. (Retd) H. Wiranto, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, of Indonesia visited India and met Shri Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor on 9 January 2018 for the first meeting of India-Indonesia Security Dialogue.
Defence Ministers’ Dialogue: Shri AK Antony, Defence Minister visited Indonesia on 15-17 October 2012 for the bilateral Defence Ministers’ Dialogue. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Indonesia on 21-24 October 2018 and held meetings with her counterpart as well as Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs.
Consular Dialogue: The first India Indonesia Consular Dialogue was held in Yogyakarta on 1-3 July 2019. Indian delegation was led by Secretary (CPV& OIA) Mr. Sanjiv Arora while the Indonesian delegation was led by the Director General for Protocol and Consular Affairs Mr. Andri Hadi.
Policy planning dialogue: The second Policy Planning Dialogue between India and Indonesia took place in Jakarta on 11 July 2019. JS (PP&R) Mrs. Nagma M. Mallick, leader of Indian delegation held discussion with Dr. Siswo Pramono, Head of Policy Analysis and Development Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the two sides had a productive exchange of views and perspectives on the foreign policy priorities of their respective countries, issues of connectivity between India and Indonesia.
Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism: Pursuant to the MoU for cooperation in Counter Terrorism signed in 2004, the first meeting of India-Indonesia JWG on Counter-Terrorism was held in New Delhi in February 2005. 5th meeting of Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism took place in New Delhi on 10-11 September 2018.
Joint Working Group on Narcotics: 3rd DG level Joint Working Group meeting between Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of India and Indonesian National Anti-Narcotics Agency (BNN) was held on 28 – 29 June 2018 in New Delhi.
Biennial Trade Ministers’ Forum (BTMF): The 1st meeting of the BTMF took place in Jakarta in October 2011. The 2nd meeting of the BTMF was held in New Delhi on 25 September 2017. Trade Minister H.E. Mr. Enggartiasto Lukita led a 12-member delegation to the meeting while Indian delegation was led by Commerce and Industry Minister of India,Shri Suresh Prabhu.
Energy Forum: The Energy Forum co-chaired by the Minister of Coal from India and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources from Indonesia was launched in January 2011 to help promote mutually beneficial G2G and B2B cooperation. The 1st Energy Forum was held in Jakarta on 20 April 2017. MOS (I/C) for Coal, Power, New & Renewable Energy and Mines Shri Piyush Goyal and his Indonesian counterpart H.E. Mr. Ignasius Jonan, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources jointly led the Energy Forum.
CEOs Forum: The 1st meeting of the CEOs Forum was held in Jakarta in October 2013. Both sides reconstituted their list of CEOs and the 1st meeting of the reconstituted CEOs Forum was held on 12 December 2016 on the sidelines of the VVIP visit in New Delhi. The 2nd CEOs Forum was held on 29-30 May 2018 in Jakarta, coinciding with the visit of Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi to Jakarta.
JWG on Oil and Gas: The 1st meeting of the JWG on Oil and Gas was held in June 2012 at Bali. The 2nd JWG was held on the sidelines of Energy Forum on 20 April 2017 in Jakarta. The MOU on cooperation in Oil and Gas, which expired in January 2016, was signed during the JWG meeting on 20 April 2017.
JWG on New and Renewable Energy: An MOU on new and renewable energy cooperation was signed in November 2015. The 1st JWG under this MOU was held through digital video conference on 20 April 2017 on the sidelines of Energy Forum.
JWG on Coal: The JWG on Coal was established in 2010. India hosted the 3rd meeting of JWG in November 2015 in New Delhi. The 4th JWG meeting took place in Jakarta on 20 April 2017 along with Energy Forum.
JWG on Agriculture: Both sides signed an MoU for Cooperation in Agriculture in 2008. The 4th JWG on Agriculture was held in Jakarta on 17-18 April 2017. Both sides agreed to act on the Matrix of Work Plan.
Civil Aviation Consultation: In order to enhance direct flight connectivity between India and Indonesia, both countries held Civil Aviation Consultation in New Delhi on 19-20 September 2018.
Meeting of Joint Committee on Space Cooperation: Joint Committee Meeting between ISRO and National Aeronautics and Space Institute of Indonesia (LAPAN) was held in Jakarta on 13-14 December 2018. This meeting was a follow-up to the Inter-Governmental Framework Agreement on Cooperation in the Exploration and Uses of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes, signed during the visit of Prime Minister of India to Indonesia in May 2018.
India Indonesia Pharmaceutical and Health-care Industry Forum: Embassy of India hosted the 1st India Indonesia Pharmaceutical and Health Industry Forum in partnership with Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) & Indonesian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KADIN) at Hotel Westin on 24th January, 2019. A 19-member business delegation from Pharmexcil representing various streams of drug and pharmaceuticals including Homeopathy, Ayurveda and herbal medicines participated at the 1st IIPHIF.
India Indonesia Infrastructure Forum: The Embassy hosted the 1st India Indonesia Infrastructure Forum Jakarta jointly with the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Ministry of Transportation on 19 March 2018 in Jakarta which was jointly inaugurated by H.E. Mr. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and H.E. Mr. Budi Karya Sumadi, Minister of Transportation along with Ambassador. It was also decided by both sides that such forum would be made an annual feature. 2nd edition of India Indonesia Infrastructure Forum was held on 19 March 2019 in Jakarta and the event was jointly inaugurated by H.E. Mr. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and H.E. Mr. Nova Iriansyah Governor of Aceh along with Ambassador. A high-level delegation of nearly 30 plus Indian CEO’s from infrastructure sector focusing on Port, Power, Airport, Water Resource Management, Hospital Management Systems and Health Service, Industry 4.0 and IT solutions for Infrastructure Projects, with leading Indian companies was present.
TRILATERAL INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS
Australia-India-Indonesia Trilateral Dialogue on Indian Ocean: The 3rd Australia-India-Indonesia Trilateral Dialogue on Indian Ocean (TDIO) was hosted by Indian Council for World Affairs in New Delhi on 21 November 2017. The three sides discussed issues such as ‘building norms for Indian Ocean Regional Cooperation’ and ‘fisheries management in Indian ocean’ which were based on the IORA concord.
Indonesia-Australia-India (IAI) Senior Officials’ Strategic Dialogue: The 1st Indonesia-Australia-India (IAI) Senior Officials’ Strategic Dialogue was held in Bogor, Indonesia on 27 November 2017 in which the Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (South) Shri Vinay Kumar. 2nd Indonesia-Australia-India (IAI) Senior Officials’ Strategic Dialogue took place in Canberra in September 2018 in which Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (South) Shri Manish. The third edition of Indonesia-Australia-India (IAI) Senior Officials’ Strategic Dialogue was hosted by India in New Delhi on 19 November 2019 and the Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (South) Shri Manish
PARLIAMENTARY EXCHANGES
There are regular Parliamentary exchanges between two countries. A 13-member Indian Parliamentary Goodwill Delegation led by Hon’ble Mr. Ravi Prakash Verma, Member of Parliament, visited Indonesia from 14-18 April 2016. An Indian Parliamentary delegation led by LokSabha Speaker Mrs. Sumitra Mahajan visited Bali to participate in World Parliamentary Forum on Sustainable Development on 5-7 September 2017. A delegation of Indonesia India Parliamentary Friendship group led by Hon’ble Mr. Satya Widya Yudha visited India on 24-27 September 2017. Another delegation from DPR Parliamentary Commission I visited India from 27-31 October 2018. This year, a 10-member Parliamentary Delegation of Commission I (Law, Politics and Government) of the House of Representatives of Aceh Province, Indonesia visited India from 14-20 July 2019. Dr. Agus Hermanto, Deputy Speaker of National House of Representative for Industry and Development visited India on 19-23 August 2019.
CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN ANDAMAN AND ACEH
During the official visit of the Prime Minister of India to Indonesia on 29-30 May 2018, both Leaders underlined the importance of stronger connectivity, particularly on sea links, in order to facilitate economic cooperation and people-to-people contact between two maritime neighbours and comprehensive strategic partners. As a follow-up to the Joint Statement, in July 2018, the 1st Business Forum was held in Banda Aceh in which an Indian delegation led by the Ambassador of India. Mr. Pradeep Kumar Rawat and comprising of members of Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and officials from Andaman and Nicobar Administration participated.
On 5th November 2018, a Focus Group Discussion titled ‘Enhancing Business Connectivity between Aceh and Andaman & Nicobar’ was organized in Banda Aceh in which the Ambassador of India and the Head of Policy Analysis & Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered key note addresses. A team of 3 researchers from Aceh also visited Andaman from 23 to 28 November to further explore the benefits and potential of enhancing physical connectivity between Andaman & Nicobar and Aceh.
A 30-member delegation consisting of members of Chamber of Commerce of Aceh (KADIN-Aceh), state and local enterprises, shipping and logistics companies, academics, media and officials of Foreign Ministries of Indonesia visited Port Blair via Chennai and held India Indonesia Business forum (IIBF) on 29th November 2018. The forum aimed to facilitate the commercial and people to people linkages between Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India with Aceh and North Sumatera Province of Indonesia. It was attended by the members of (ACCI) and officials of Andaman and Nicobar Administration. During the forum, Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between (KADIN-Aceh) and ACCI.
On 29 December 2018, a special vessel carrying samples of products and raw material from Aceh was flagged off from Banda Aceh and it reached Port Blair on 4 January 2019 and handed the sample over to ACCI in the presence of Indonesian Embassy officials and Andaman Administration officials.
Joint Task Force on Andaman & Nicobar Islands – Aceh Connectivity: Pursuant to the Joint Statement during the visit of Prime Minister of India to Jakarta in May 2018, a Joint Task Force was set up by India and Indonesia. A preliminary Joint Task Force Leader’s meeting was held in Jakarta on 3rd September 2019, n which Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (South) Mr. Manish and Indonesian delegation was led by Director (South and Central Asia) Mr. Ferdy Piay. Leaders of the Joint Task Force discussed about the terms of reference of the Joint Task Force meeting and also on the date of its first meeting.
The inaugural meeting of JTF was convened on 7 December 2019 in Banda Aceh, which included site visit to Sabang Island. The meeting focussed on development of port related infrastructure in and around Sabang and working together for sustainable development of marine resources and fisheries.
CELEBRATING 70th ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
Embassy, in association with Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Embassy of India jointly hosted the inaugural event to flag-off the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Republic of India and Indonesia. The inaugural event, jointly presided over by H.E. Abdurrahman Mohammad Fachir, Vice Minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with H.E. Pradeep Kumar Rawat, Ambassador of India to Indonesia, was attended by over two hundred guests including Diplomatic Corps, senior officials from the Government, members of Indian community and friends of India from diverse walks of life in Indonesia.
Embassy, along with Nahdlatul Ulama Indonesia (NU) jointly hosted Buka Puasa (Iftar) celebrations at the NU Central Office in Jakarta on 17 May 2019. The evening showcased a special photo exhibit on “Shared Islamic Heritage of India and Indonesia” along with a special musical performance by a Sufi Qawwali Group led by Sarfaraz Chisty from India.
In association with Ministry of Tourism of India and Indonesia, Embassy organised two-day event in Jakarta on 29-30 August 2019. It comprised of 1st India Indonesian Tourism Seminar in Sapta Pesona, Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia, India Tourism Road show and B-to-B meeting between leading tour operators of both countries on 29 August 2019. On 30 August 2019, a mega public event ‘Welcome to Incredible India’ was jointly inaugurated by senior officials of Ministry of Tourism of both countries at Pacific Place Mall, where India Tourism Pavilion was also inaugurated providing an ideal platform to Indian travel operators to help build connection with their Indonesian counterparts and promote Indian holiday attractions to potential Indonesian tourists. As an effort to improve longstanding people-to-people relation between India and Indonesia, public event included a number of cultural activities showcasing the rich Indian heritage, viz “Yoga for All” - special yoga session , “Bollywood Bioscope” - screening of the movie “Chennai Express”, “Bollywood Singing Sensations” - special Indian music event, “Incredible Taste of India” with Master Indian Chef, “Bollywood Dancing Divas”, “Fashion Sutra“ celebrating the shared heritage of textile weaves of India and Indonesia. As a part of celebration of 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Indonesia, this two-day tourism extravaganza intended to provide key linkage between the travel agents and tourists of both countries and further impetus to people-to-people relations between two close maritime neighbour.
COMMERCIAL RELATIONS
Indonesia has emerged as the second largest trading partner of India in the ASEAN region. Bilateral trade has increased from US$ 4.3 billion in 2005-06 to US$ 21 billion in 2018-19 (US$ 15.885 from April 2019 to January 2020). India is the second largest buyer of coal and crude palm oil from Indonesia and imports minerals, rubber, pulp and paper and hydrocarbons reserves. India exports refined petroleum products, commercial vehicles, telecommunication equipment, agriculture commodities, bovine meat, steel products and plastics to Indonesia.
The overall investment scenario in Indonesia is encouraging. It is an attractive destination for Indian investment in the region. There are about 30 Indian investments / Joint Ventures in Indonesia. As per Indonesian authorities, Indian investment in Indonesia is 995.18 million in 2215 projects during 2000-2018. But as most investments come through Singapore and other gateways, the quantum of investment could be much more.
Indian companies have made significant investments in infrastructure, power, textiles, steel, automotive, mining, banking and consumer goods sectors. Prominent Indian groups/companies such as Tata Power, Reliance, Adani, L&T, GMR, GVK, Trimex, Videocon, Punj Lloyd, CG Power, Madhucon, Spice, Indo Rama, Aditya Birla, JK Industries, Jindal Stainless Steel, ESSAR, Ispat, Tata Motors, Mahindra, TVS, Bajaj, Royal Enfield, Minda, Godrej, Wipro, SBI and Bank of India have established fully-owned subsidiaries/joint ventures in Indonesia. Several medium and small Indian companies are operating coal mines in Indonesia. IT companies - TCS, Tech Mahindra, HCL and Altruist - have set up business units in Indonesia. Recently, Thermax International inaugurated (27 July 2017) its new manufacturing unit in Jakarta; Asian Paints inaugurated its factory (05 September 2017) in Jakarta; Lulu Group opened (06 September 2017) a new hypermarket in Jakarta and Crompton Greaves Ltd inaugurated Indonesia's first High Voltage Switchgear (TT) and Extra Voltage (TET) plant on 20 August 2018. In pharma sector, in February 2019, Macleods has set up a HIV drugs manufacturing facility in Semarang in JV with an Indonesian Company, Pt Sampharindo, with a total investment of US $ 3.4 million. In healthcare, Nephorplus, an Indian company, has tied up with Hermina Group of Hospitalis, for setting up dialysis centre in 80 hospitals.
In comparison, Indonesia’s investment in India is limited to about US$ 629.16 million (April 2000-March 2019). PT. Sumber Mitra Jaya has undertaken four projects for the National Highways Authority of India. Bukaka company is supplying aerobridges to the Airports Authority of India. Salim group from Indonesia invested in petroleum refinery, real estate and industrial township project in West Bengal, but later withdrew due to land acquisition issues. Garuda Foods has set up a joint venture with Polyflex Foods in Bangalore. Bank International Indonesia (BII) has opened a Branch in Mumbai with a capital base of US$ 28 million. CP Prima has invested US$ 2 million in Shrimp hatchery production in Andhra Pradesh and has plans to invest in Feedmill plants as well.Asian Paper & Pulp (APP), a subsidiary of Sinarmas, one of the largest industrial houses in Indonesia and APEDB signed an MoU on 9-1-2019 where APP will invest Rs 24,000 crore (US $3.5 billion) with a production of 5 million metric tonnes per annum by its pulp and paper manufacturing unit at Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. There are 13 Indonesian Companies present in India in agro products, processed food, transportation, logistics sectors etc.
DEFENCE COOPERATION
India and Indonesia have robust cooperation in the area of defence and security. In May 2018, during the visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, a new Defence Cooperation Agreement was signed to reflect the elevation
