Indonesia–Solomon Islands relations

Indonesia–Solomon Islands relations

Indonesia
Solomon Islands

Indonesia–Solomon Islands relations refers to foreign relations between Indonesia and Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands has opened their embassy in Jakarta since August 2014, while Indonesian embassy in Port Moresby is also accredited to Solomon Islands.[1] Indonesia is a gateway for Pacific countries to enter the ASEAN and Asian region, while Indonesia wish to increase its influence in Pacific region.[2] Both countries are the members of Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).[3]

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo visited Indonesia in August 2013.[4]

Economic relations

Bilateral trade relations saw an average annual increase of 17.28 percent. In 2012 the trade volume was at $15.88 million, with Indonesia posting a $9.1 million surplus.[5] The Solomon Islands also works with Indonesia in the fields of energy, fishing, development, media and culture.

Issues

In 2016, the bilateral relations worsen as during United Nations General Assembly, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare alleged the human rights violations in the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua, and also push for the independence of the said provinces. Solomon Island pushed this issue together with Vanuatu, Nauru, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Tonga. Indonesia strongly rejected this accusation and accused these countries of interfering with its domestic affairs and Indonesia's national sovereignty. Indonesia saw this statements as politically motivated to support separatist groups notorious for its terrorist attacks.[6] Indonesia in turn slams Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on their own domestic human rights problems.[7]

References

  1. ↑ "Our embassy in Jakarta opens". Solomon Star. 7 August 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2015.
  2. ↑ "Indonesia wants to strengthen relations". Solomon Star. 28 February 2015. Retrieved 22 September 2015.
  3. ↑ Liam Fox (25 June 2015). "Indonesia admitted to Melanesian Spearhead Group, West Papuan group given observer status". ABC. Retrieved 22 September 2015.
  4. ↑ Ina Parlina (13 August 2013). "Indonesia-Solomon Islands leaders talk about Papua". The Jakarta Post. Jakarta. Retrieved 22 September 2015.
  5. ↑ "Solomon Islands Prime Minister Makes First Visit to Indonesia". Jakarta Globe. Retrieved 22 September 2015.
  6. ↑ "Indonesia accuses Pacific nations of 'misusing' the United Nations assembly after Papua criticisms". ABC News.
  7. ↑ "Jakarta slams Solomons and Vanuatu over human rights". RNZ. 27 June 2016.
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