The History of Indonesian Diplomacy 1945-2010 (2/2) WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLE

Summary

The script discusses Indonesia's political landscape post-Reformation, highlighting the democratic openness allowing 48 political parties to participate in elections, a significant increase from the New Order era. It emphasizes President Abdurrahman Wahid's foreign policy, aiming to rebrand Indonesia as a democratic, transparent, and friendly nation. The policy included opening trade relations with Israel, despite domestic Islamic protests. The script also touches on Megawati's presidency, Hasan Wirayuda's continuation of an independent and active foreign policy, and the importance of aligning with global democratic values. It concludes with the idea of Indonesia as a significant regional actor, not just an observer, in international relations.

Takeaways

• 🗳️ The people of East Timor were given a choice to stay with Indonesia or become independent, resulting in the birth of Timor-Leste on May 20, 2002.
• 🏛️ During the early reform era, 48 political parties were allowed to participate in general elections, a significant increase from the New Order era.
• 📊 Abdurrahman Wahid was elected president in the 1999 elections, with Megawati taking the role of vice president.
• 🌐 Alwi Shihab, elected as the first foreign minister of the reform era, faced significant challenges both internally and in international relations.
• 🌍 President Abdurrahman Wahid aimed to change the perception of Indonesia as an authoritarian state to a democratic one, emphasizing free and active foreign policy.
• 🏢 The foreign policy of Indonesia shifted to include more engagement with Eastern countries like China and India, aiming for a balanced approach.
• 🤝 The opening of trade relations with Israel was a controversial move that sparked protests, especially among Islamic groups.
• 🔄 After Gus Dur's fall, Megawati became president, and Hasan Wirayuda replaced Alwi Shihab as foreign minister, continuing the free and active foreign policy.
• 🌟 The process of democratization in Indonesia was still young, and foreign policy decisions were becoming more decentralized.
• 🌐 Indonesia's foreign policy under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono improved the country's domestic conditions and international reputation, including joining the G20.
• 🌐 Diplomacy is seen as a noble profession focused on creating friendships between nations without needing to apologize for such aspirations.

Q & A

What was the outcome of the referendum held for the people of East Timor?

The referendum resulted in the establishment of a new nation, Timor Leste, on May 20, 2002.

How did the political landscape change during the early reform era in Indonesia?

During the early reform era, 48 political parties were allowed to participate in the general elections, which was 16 times more than during the New Order era.

Who were elected as president and vice president in the 1999 Indonesian election?

Abdurrahman Wahid was elected as president, and Megawati as vice president in the 1999 Indonesian election.

What was the significant challenge faced by the first foreign minister of the reform era, Alwi Shihab?

Alwi Shihab faced significant challenges both internally within the Pluit itself and in Indonesia's relations with countries that had known Indonesia as a nation led by an authoritarian figure, Gus Dur.

What was the policy of Indonesia under President Gus Dur to change its international image?

President Gus Dur's policy aimed to show that Indonesia was a new, democratic Indonesia that wanted to be friendly with anyone and remained principled, free, and active.

What does 'Ecological Diplomacy' mean as mentioned in the script?

Ecological Diplomacy refers to opening many windows to accommodate friendship and brotherhood with anyone without discrimination of country or ethnicity, considering all as friends.

What was the controversial foreign policy step taken by President Abdurrahman Wahid?

The controversial foreign policy step was the discussion of opening trade relations with Israel, which sparked protests, especially from Islamic groups.

How did Gus Dur view the relationship with China during his presidency?

Gus Dur felt that relations with China and other Asian countries should be fostered, but he never suggested that closer ties with China and India would diminish relations with the West.

What was the significant change made by Gus Dur regarding the placement of ambassadors in ASEAN countries?

Gus Dur abolished the placement of military members as ambassadors in ASEAN countries, showing a shift towards a more democratic and transparent foreign policy.

What was the main challenge for Indonesia's foreign policy during the era of democratization?

The main challenge was the very young process of democratization in Indonesia and the need to advance democracy, which included a shift in foreign policy decision-making to be more inclusive and less centralized.

What was the concept of 'free and active' foreign policy as continued under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono?

The 'free and active' foreign policy under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono meant that Indonesia should be able to define its interests in every issue and try to create like-minded nations that share Indonesia's broad views, not just react to events but also be proactive in shaping them.

How did Indonesia's international reputation improve during President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's term?

Indonesia's international reputation improved as it was recognized as a democratic nation and was included as a member of the G20, indicating its growing influence on the global stage.