Pasang-Surut 75 Tahun Hubungan Diplomatik Republik Indonesia-Amerika Serikat

Summary

The diplomatic relationship between Indonesia and the United States has evolved through numerous highs and lows, shaped by global events such as the Cold War and decolonization. The U.S. initially supported Indonesia's independence, but tensions emerged over issues like human rights, geopolitical views, and conflicts like the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation and the East Timor crisis. Throughout the decades, both nations faced disagreements, yet their ties remained strong, especially during the Cold War era. While human rights concerns became more prominent post-Cold War, cooperation continued, with a focus on terrorism and regional security, despite occasional disagreements.

Takeaways

• 😀 The U.S.-Indonesia relationship has evolved over decades, influenced by global events like the Cold War and decolonization.
• 😀 Diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Indonesia began under President Truman, who supported Indonesia's independence from Dutch colonial rule.
• 😀 Indonesia's non-alignment during the 1955 Bandung Conference led to a shift away from U.S. influence and tensions with the West.
• 😀 President John F. Kennedy's administration saw improved relations, particularly in resolving the Papua issue with the Netherlands.
• 😀 Indonesia's alignment with the Soviet Union and China in the 1960s caused friction with the U.S., especially during Sukarno's presidency.
• 😀 Under President Gerald Ford, the U.S. supported Indonesia’s actions in East Timor, despite concerns over human rights violations.
• 😀 The U.S. imposed an arms embargo on Indonesia in the late 1990s following violence in East Timor during the independence referendum.
• 😀 The embargo on Indonesia was lifted in 2005 during President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s administration, signaling a new phase in relations.
• 😀 Throughout the years, the U.S. and Indonesia shared common interests, such as counterterrorism cooperation, despite their differences.
• 😀 Despite political disagreements, U.S.-Indonesia relations have remained professional and pragmatic, handling issues quietly and diplomatically.

Q & A

What was the starting point of Indonesia's diplomatic relations with the United States?

Indonesia's diplomatic relations with the United States began during President Harry Truman's administration, especially when the U.S. supported Indonesia's nationalist movement against the Dutch attempts to reclaim control after World War II.

How did the Cold War influence U.S.-Indonesia relations?

The Cold War significantly influenced U.S.-Indonesia relations, with the U.S. supporting Indonesia's independence efforts to counter the spread of communism, especially against the backdrop of the U.S. rivalry with the Soviet Union.

What role did the Bandung Conference of 1955 play in U.S.-Indonesia relations?

The Bandung Conference of 1955, which marked the start of the Non-Aligned Movement, created a divide between the U.S. and Indonesia as Indonesia, under President Sukarno, chose a neutral stance, not siding with either the West or the Soviet bloc.

What happened to U.S.-Indonesia relations under President John F. Kennedy?

Relations between the U.S. and Indonesia improved under President John F. Kennedy, who pressured the Netherlands to negotiate the status of Papua Barat (West Papua), marking a positive moment in the relationship.

How did Indonesia’s confrontation with Malaysia affect U.S.-Indonesia relations in the 1960s?

The U.S.-Indonesia relationship was tested during the 1960s due to Indonesia’s confrontation with Malaysia and President Sukarno’s close ties with the Soviet Union and China, which put Indonesia in opposition to U.S. interests in Southeast Asia.

How did U.S. support for Indonesia evolve under President Gerald Ford?

Under President Gerald Ford, the U.S. supported Indonesia’s takeover of East Timor in 1975, fearing the spread of leftist ideologies from the Fretilin movement. However, human rights violations in the region strained relations.

What impact did the U.S. administration of Jimmy Carter have on Indonesia?

During Jimmy Carter’s administration, U.S.-Indonesia relations became strained due to growing concerns over human rights violations in Indonesia, particularly in East Timor, leading to a reduction in support.

How did the end of the Cold War affect U.S.-Indonesia relations?

The end of the Cold War in 1991 shifted the focus of U.S.-Indonesia relations towards human rights issues, as the U.S. became more critical of Indonesia’s government, especially after the violent events in East Timor.

What action did the U.S. take in response to the 1999 violence in East Timor?

In response to the violence following the East Timor independence referendum, the U.S. imposed a weapons embargo on Indonesia in 1999. The embargo was lifted in 2005 under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

How did counterterrorism efforts influence U.S.-Indonesia relations in the 2000s?

In the 2000s, U.S.-Indonesia relations strengthened due to shared concerns over terrorism, with both countries cooperating on counterterrorism measures, despite differences on some political issues.