As Indonesia and Iran celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations, recent developments over the past two months highlight a deepening partnership across multiple sectors, from cultural exchanges to defense collaboration, and economic cooperation to renewable energy initiatives. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in bilateral diplomacy, with both nations poised to explore new frontiers and reinforce shared interests.
At the core of this evolving relationship is a mutual commitment to enhancing diplomatic and political collaboration. Iran’s warm reception of Indonesia’s recent admission to BRICS underscores the potential for greater synergy within this expanded global forum. In the past two months, bilateral ties have extended into governance and transparency, with a recent meeting between the Iranian Embassy and Indonesia’s Ombudsman highlighting efforts to exchange best practices in public service oversight, aiming for more effective and accountable administrations in both countries.
Tehran also views Indonesia as a strategic partner in advancing technology and innovation. This vision was emphasized in recent discussions between Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Boroujerdi and Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, where both sides expressed interest in expanding cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.
Energy collaboration is another promising area. As both countries seek sustainable solutions to meet rising energy demands, Iran has, in the past two months, proposed partnerships in renewable energy. Such cooperation could enhance energy security and support domestic needs, positioning both nations as leaders in the global transition to sustainable energy.
Beyond economic and technological cooperation, defense relations are gaining momentum. Discussions over the last two months between Indonesia’s Defense Minister and Ambassador Boroujerdi underscore the potential for stronger military ties. While still in the early stages, these dialogues reflect growing trust and a shared recognition of each other’s strategic interests. Closer defense collaboration could bolster security and stability in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
Tourism is emerging as another key pillar of Indonesia-Iran relations. A proposal made in recent weeks to launch a direct flight route between Jakarta and Tehran signals a commitment to boosting travel and cultural exchange. Iran’s push for greater collaboration in tourism, including discussions on visa waivers, demonstrates a shared vision for expanding people-to-people connections. With a targeted increase in Iranian tourists visiting Indonesia, these efforts will not only boost tourism revenue but also enhance cultural understanding between the two nations.
Cultural diplomacy remains a cornerstone of Indonesia-Iran relations. Just in the past two months, the 4th International MTQ Calligraphy Exhibition, hosted by the Iranian Embassy, celebrated the artistic traditions of both countries. Iranian calligraphers showcased their mastery of Naskh, Thuluth, and Nastaliq styles, while Indonesian artists contributed their unique interpretations of Qur’anic calligraphy. Similarly, the Iranian Embassy marked 75 years of diplomatic ties and the 46th anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution with a special-edition stamp blending Indonesian and Iranian artistic elements.
The film has also played a role in fostering cultural ties. The Iranian Embassy, in partnership with Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture, recently hosted a film festival to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations, spotlighting both Iranian and Indonesian cinema. These initiatives strengthen cultural diplomacy, reinforcing the deep-rooted connections between the two nations.
As Indonesia and Iran reflect on 75 years of diplomatic relations, the past two months have demonstrated their partnership’s continuous evolution, driven by shared ambitions across economic, defense, cultural, and technological domains.
Indonesia and Iran’s decision to deepen their bilateral ties is rooted in a combination of strategic, economic, and geopolitical factors. These motivations reflect both countries’ aspirations to exert greater influence regionally and globally, diversify their partnerships, and leverage each other’s strengths in areas like energy, technology, and defense.
Iran and Indonesia, two influential nations in their respective regions, have much to gain from mutual cooperation. Indonesia, as the largest economy in Southeast Asia and the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, provides Iran with access to a dynamic, growing market and a gateway to broader Southeast Asian influence. Conversely, Iran’s geopolitical position in the Middle East and its growing influence in Central Asia offer Indonesia potential advantages in strengthening its role within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other regional groupings. By aligning with Iran, Indonesia could enhance its position in broader global forums like BRICS, where both nations aim to assert their interests as emerging powers.
As both countries seek to address their energy needs and transition toward sustainable sources, Iran’s abundant energy resources and Indonesia’s growing focus on renewable energy create ample room for collaboration. For Iran, expanding into renewable energy markets is part of a broader strategy to diversify its economy, especially given international sanctions that have affected its oil exports. For Indonesia, enhancing energy security and reducing dependence on fossil fuels aligns with its long-term sustainability goals. The partnership presents an opportunity for both nations to invest in cutting-edge technologies and share expertise in energy transition, positioning them as regional leaders in a global energy shift.
Economic sanctions have reshaped Iran’s foreign policy, pushing the country to diversify its trade partnerships beyond the West. Indonesia’s large and growing consumer base presents an attractive market for Iranian goods, particularly in sectors like agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. Additionally, Indonesia is keen to enhance its economic footprint in the Middle East, a region rich in trade opportunities, infrastructure development, and investment. By strengthening economic ties with Iran, Indonesia secures greater access to trade routes, investment partnerships, and strategic sectors vital to its economic diversification goals.
The increasing complexity of the global geopolitical environment, marked by tensions in the Middle East and Asia, makes closer defense and security cooperation a priority for both nations. Indonesia and Iran share an interest in countering extremism and fostering stability within their regions. By enhancing military cooperation, the two countries aim to build resilience against external threats and assert their sovereignty in the face of evolving regional dynamics. Iran’s military capabilities, coupled with Indonesia’s strategic location and peacekeeping experience, offer complementary strengths that could play a significant role in promoting regional security.
In conclusion, Indonesia and Iran’s enthusiasm to deepen their ties stems from shared opportunities and common strategic goals, ranging from energy security and economic diversification to regional stability and cultural exchange. Both countries understand that their collaboration could be transformative, offering significant benefits not only to their domestic economies but also to their standing on the global stage.
Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat is the Director of the Indonesia-MENA Desk at the Center of Economic and Law Studies in Jakarta.
Yeta Purnama is a researcher at the Center of Economic and Law Studies in Jakarta. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors.
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