Indonesia

Indonesia and India demonstrate strong alignment on issues such as counter-terrorism, where both actively cooperate and advocate for global action, and on UNSC reform, as both are strong proponents of expanding permanent and non-permanent seats to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. On many general UN General Assembly resolutions, their stances align due to shared developing-world perspectives and a commitment to multilateralism. Divergences are noted, particularly in Indonesia's UN General Assembly votes on Ukraine, where it voted for resolutions condemning aggression and calling for an end to hostilities, contrasting with India's abstentions. Furthermore, Indonesia's participation in OIC statements expressing concern over the situation in Kashmir, while generally measured and emphasizing peaceful dialogue and international law, represents a divergence from India's position of it being an internal matter. In forums like FATF, Indonesia's approach is typically technical, focusing on compliance rather than political alignment.

India-Indonesia relations exhibit a strong and growing positive sentiment at the diplomatic and official levels, deeply rooted in a shared history and evolving into a comprehensive strategic partnership. Recent events from the last 30 days underscore robust bilateral engagement across numerous sectors. The 8th India-Indonesia Joint Commission Meeting (JCM), co-chaired by Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on June 7, 2026, highlighted an "upward and growing trajectory" in relations, with discussions spanning political, defense, maritime, trade, investment, healthcare, digital, energy, connectivity, space, education, and cultural cooperation. Indonesia is also preparing for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Jakarta in July, which Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono anticipates will be a significant opportunity to further deepen cooperation and deliver tangible benefits. Furthermore, Indonesia's accession to BRICS in 2025 is viewed as opening additional avenues for strategic collaboration with India. The historical perception of India as a "trusted friend," stemming from both nations being founding participants in the Asia-Africa Conference in 1955 and the Non-Aligned Movement in 1961, continues to underpin this diplomatic warmth. Indonesia is consistently recognized as a "key pillar" of India's Act East Policy. The mainstream media narrative in Indonesia, as evidenced by outlets like ANTARA News and The Jakarta Post, largely mirrors this positive official rhetoric. Coverage prominently features the outcomes of the Joint Commission Meeting, emphasizing strengthened strategic partnership, diverse areas of cooperation (including a potential BrahMos missile deal), and the anticipation of high-level visits. The media consistently portrays a shared vision for regional stability and mutual benefit, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the bilateral relationship. No significant critical media coverage concerning the broader bilateral relations was observed within the reporting period. However, public perception regarding Indian tourists in Indonesia, particularly in Bali, presents a notable contrast and is decidedly negative. Recent reports from April 2026, widely covered by The Bali Times, The News Pakistan, India Today, and Hindustan Times, detailed an incident where a group of Indian tourists was caught stealing hotel amenities in Ubud. This incident, which went viral on social media, has intensified existing negative stereotypes concerning Indian visitor behavior, including previous allegations of rudeness, excessive bargaining, and disrespect for local customs and religious sites. While the specific case was resolved amicably without legal action, the broader discourse reveals a persistent challenge in how some Indian tourists are perceived by the local population. Despite the government's efforts to foster tourism and cultural ties, this issue continues to generate adverse public sentiment, impacting the overall perception of Indian visitors and the diaspora by local communities in tourist-heavy regions.

[Commodity Supplier] India's bilateral trade relationship with Indonesia in 2025 is substantial, marked by a significant trade deficit for India, largely driven by its high dependence on Indonesian commodities. Indonesia serves as a crucial supplier of essential raw materials, particularly for India's energy and food security needs. The strategic nature of these key imports enhances the overall value of this trade partnership. For 2025, the total bilateral trade between India and Indonesia reached $24425.58 Million. India's exports to Indonesia stood at $4337.28 Million, primarily comprising ORGANIC CHEMICALS ($123.6M), INORGANIC CHEMICALS ($83.3M), AGRO CHEMICALS ($66.5M), and PROCESSED VEGETABLES ($44.0M). Conversely, India's imports from Indonesia were substantially higher at $20088.30 Million, dominated by critical commodities such as COAL, COKE AND BRIQUITTES ETC ($6822.5M), VEGETABLE OILS ($3397.6M), and IRON AND STEEL ($1838.1M), alongside COCOA PRODUCTS ($678.8M) and COSMETICS AND TOILETRIES ($643.4M). This significant import structure results in a trade balance of $-15751.0 Million (a deficit for India), indicating India's substantial reliance on Indonesian raw materials and energy supplies. This sustained deficit highlights India's strategic dependence on Indonesia for key industrial inputs and consumer goods, underscoring the critical importance of these supply chains.

Defense ties between India and Indonesia are robust and consistently strengthening, driven by shared strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region and a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership'. By 2026, the two nations are projected to have conducted at least **4-6 major bilateral joint exercises** since 2024, including regular iterations of the naval exercise 'Samudra Shakti' and the army exercise 'Garuda Shakti'. These exercises enhance interoperability and mutual understanding across their respective armed forces. Furthermore, active discussions regarding potential defense acquisitions from India, notably the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, are expected to progress significantly by 2026, with potential deal values estimated in the **hundreds of millions of dollars**. This reflects Indonesia's growing interest in India's indigenous defense capabilities and a mutual commitment to deepening defense industrial cooperation and maritime security.

By 2026, Indonesia is expected to be a thriving destination for Indian tourists, building on strong recovery trends and strategic initiatives. Annual Indian Visitors are projected to reach over 950,000, showcasing an anticipated year-on-year growth of over 18% as connectivity and awareness expand. Indonesia, particularly Bali, consistently ranks among the top 5 international destinations searched by Indian travelers online, reflecting sustained and high interest in its diverse attractions and experiences.

Indian citizens require a visa to enter Indonesia in 2026. The most common and recommended options are the Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) or the traditional Visa on Arrival (VoA). Both are paid visas, costing approximately IDR 500,000 (around USD 35). The e-VOA can be applied for online prior to travel, with a processing time of 1-3 working days. Both VoA and e-VOA grant a 30-day single-entry stay, extendable once for an additional 30 days (total 60 days). However, an important policy change effective June 2025 requires physical presence at an immigration office for any visa extension. Other options like the C1 Tourist Visa (60-day stay, extendable up to 180 days) and multiple-entry visas are also available. This falls under the 'Visa on Arrival (Paid) or standard eVisa' category (61-80) due to the paid nature of the visa, the convenience of online application (e-VOA) with quick processing, and the availability of on-arrival options, despite not being visa-free or instantly free. --- PREVIOUS ANALYSIS --- Visa on Arrival: Stay up to 30 days. Fee: approx USD 35 / IDR 500,000.

Indonesia is generally considered a safe destination for international tourists, including those from India, assuming standard travel precautions are observed. While providing a precise future safety assessment for 2026 is inherently challenging, this analysis is based on current trends and perpetual risks. Most visits are trouble-free for tourists who remain vigilant and informed. **Specific Risks:** * **Petty Crime:** Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and minor scams (e.g., inflated prices, taxi meter manipulation) are common in crowded tourist areas such as markets, popular beaches, and public transport hubs, particularly in destinations like Bali, Jakarta, and other major cities. It is advisable to secure valuables and be aware of surroundings. * **Traffic Safety:** Road conditions can be chaotic, and driving standards vary significantly. Accidents involving motorbikes are frequent. Pedestrians should exercise extreme caution when crossing roads or walking alongside traffic. * **Natural Disasters:** Indonesia is highly prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions (e.g., Mount Agung, Krakatoa), and localized flooding. While unpredictable, these events pose a significant, albeit infrequent, risk. Travelers should monitor local alerts and follow guidance from authorities. * **Health Risks:** Dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses are present. Travelers should take precautions against mosquito bites. Food and water safety should be considered, with attention to hygiene, especially when consuming street food or local beverages. * **Cultural Nuances:** Understanding and respecting local customs, particularly regarding dress codes at religious sites and general public etiquette, can prevent misunderstandings and contribute to a smoother travel experience. While not a direct safety risk, cultural insensitivity can lead to uncomfortable situations.