Tue, Nov 19, 2024 page8

• Taiwan and Indonesia’s cooperative relationship

  • By Salahudin
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  The collaboration between Indonesia and Taiwan has persisted for a long time, yielding numerous benefits for both parties. Taiwan is a strategic ally that offers advantageous prospects for Indonesia.

  The collaboration between the two countries is founded on strategic values that extend beyond pragmatic political concerns. The cooperative framework established by Taiwan and Indonesia emphasizes strategic values that enhance their respective national positions and existence. Indonesia has consistently regarded other nations, particularly Taiwan, as allies. That notion is a fundamental aspect of Indonesia’s international relations, which is consistently stressed by Indonesian presidents, from Sukarno to Joko Widodo and now Prabowo Subianto.

  Prabowo has substantial experience and expertise in international politics. His international political principles are distinctly reflected in his political speeches, narratives, arguments, attitudes and actions, indicating that he regards other nations as strategic partners in advocating for nationalism, justice and humanity in pursuit of global peace, as outlined in the constitution of the Republic of Indonesia.

  What would the future relationship be between Taiwan and Indonesia? Based on Prabowo’s foreign political practices, it is evident that the two nations’ connection would strengthen. Taiwan is given opportunities and access in Indonesia to cultivate connections across all sectors, particularly in education.

  Taiwan has educational initiatives in Indonesia, such as the Ministry of Education Scholarship, Huayu Enrichment Scholarship and the International Industrial Talents Education Special Program. Meanwhile, Indonesians have a significant interest in pursuing their education in Taiwan, as evidenced by the annual increase in the number of Indonesian students: 5,074 in 2016, a sharp rise to 13,804 in 2020, followed by 16,639 in 2022 and 16,725 last year.

  The economic and trade sectors also show a robust cooperative partnership between Taiwan and Indonesia. Taiwan is a significant strategic investor in Indonesia, with cumulative investments amounting to US$15.3 billion and generating about 1 million jobs. That investment was not a sudden, isolated action; it was a protracted process characterized by communication and positive relations that culminated in a mutually advantageous agreement between the two parties from a political economy perspective.

  That data illustrate Taiwan’s effective diplomacy in Indonesia and indicate that the relationship between the two is strengthening, suggesting a future of even more robust relations. Prabowo is often perceived as regarding Taiwan as part of “one China,” indicating that he does not politically acknowledge Taiwan as a sovereign nation. However, this does not imply that he disregards Taiwan’s status as a strategic partner for Indonesia. The collaboration between the two nations demonstrates a positive connection that creates the potential to enhance their status as global powers, which would undoubtedly impact international politics favorably.

  The Indonesian government provides Taiwan with access and chances to engage in activities across different vital sectors, potentially bolstering its presence in Indonesia. Many Indonesians hold bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Taiwanese universities, directly and indirectly enhancing the nation’s stature and recognition in international politics. Taiwan has also executed investments that favorably influence the interests of both countries. This indicates that the prospects for collaboration between Taiwan and Indonesia would become more robust and enduring.

  Salahudin is a political analyst and director of the Bureau of Research, Service, and Cooperation at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang in Indonesia.
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