Filipino–Indonesian relations
Map indicating locations of Indonesia and Philippines

Indonesia

Philippines
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is welcomed by Indonesian President Joko Widodo upon his arrival at Istana Merdeka in Jakarta on September 9, 2016.

Indonesia–Philippines relations are the bilateral relations between Indonesia and the Philippines. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1949. Since then, both countries enjoy cordial bilateral relationship in spirit of kinship. The two countries are considered allies and it is considered as one of the most important bilateral relationships in ASEAN.[1] Both countries have established embassies in each capitals, Indonesia has their embassy in Manila and consulate general in Davao City, while the Philippines has their embassy in Jakarta and consulate general in Manado. High rank stately visits have been conducted for years.

Both nations are the founders of ASEAN and the members of Non-Aligned Movement and APEC. Both countries are members of the East ASEAN Growth Triangle together with Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia in the BIMP-EAGA. Both countries are mainly composed of islands and they both reject territorial claims of the People's Republic of China in the region.

Philippines and Indonesia also share several non-traditional security concerns, including climate change, terrorism, and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic amid the Russo-Ukrainian war and the tension in the Taiwan Strait.[2]

Culture

Linguistic diversity

Both countries have massive amounts of languages, for example, Indonesia has about 700 languages,[3] while Philippines has over 180 languages spoken in the country. [4]

Ethnic groups

Both countries have massive amounts of ethnic groups, the Philippines has about 182 ethnic groups,[5]:5[note 1] while Indonesia has about 1,300,[6][note 2] most of whom speak Austronesian languages.

Similarities

Land

Both countries are an archipelago, and have massive amounts of islands, Indonesia has 17,000 islands,[7] about 6,000 of which are inhabited. the biggest islands are Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and the Indonesian part of New Guinea. Philippines however has 7,641 islands.[8][9] Many people remember it having 7,107, but in 2016 the National Mapping and Resource Information recently discovered 500 new islands.[10]

Season

Both countries are a Tropical archipelagos. There are only 2 seasons, which are Rainy seasons and Dry seasons.[11][12]

Colonization & Invasions

Both countries were colonized by European powers.

Both countries were invaded by Japan in 1941-1942 and occupied until 1945.[13][14]

Language

The languages Filipino and Indonesian have some similarities in words.

Nouns[15]
Indonesian Filipino English
aku ako me
kami kami we/us
Numbers[15]
Indonesian Filipino English
Empat Apat Four
Lima Lima Five
Enam Anim Six

Dictatorships and revolutions

Both countries were ruled by Dictators following decolonization, which ruled for decades until they were overthrown in popular revolutions which paved the way for democracy.

Philippines

Indonesia

Both the Marcos and Suharto regimes were known for their extreme corruption, with the Marcos family embezzling from US$5 billion to $13 billion, and the Suharto family embezzling from US$15 billion to $35 billion.

Women Leaders

Both countries elected women to become presidents.

Other

Both the Philippines and Indonesia are known to have high amounts of workers emigrating to territories such as Hong Kong, usually to work unskilled labour roles such as domestic servants.

History

Warrior from Java in the Philippines, c. 1590 in Boxer Codex

Ancient era

Both the Philippines and Indonesia were part of the same Maritime Jade Road.[16][17][18][19] Indonesia and the Philippines are both archipelagic countries with ethnic populations and national languages that have common Austronesian ancestry. The historical links between ancient Indonesia and the Philippines have commenced since around the 9th century. The Laguna Copperplate Inscription dated from 900 CE mentioned the Javanese Medang Kingdom and the Srivijaya Empire. The writing system used is the Kawi Script, while the language is a variety of Old Malay, and contains numerous loanwords from Sanskrit and a few non-Malay vocabulary elements whose origin is between Old Tagalog and Old Javanese.[20] The 14th century Nagarakretagama manuscript written during the height of Majapahit empire, mentioned several states that is now Philippines; Kalka, Selurong (Manila), and Solot (Sulu), suggested that Majapahit empire influences had reached the Philippine archipelago.

Moluccan Warrior in the Philippines, c. 1590 in Boxer Codex

Various Philippine legends also refer to Indonesia as a place of ancestral origin. According to Visayan folklore, during the Chola occupation of Sumatra, a minor prince by the name of Rajamuda Lumaya was sent to establish a vassal state and a base. Known better by the name Sri Lumay, he reached what is today Cebu, establishing the Rajahnate of Cebu and ruling with his sons Sri Alho and Sri Bantug. The Kedatuan of Madja-as, an ancient confederation in what is today Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region, was a vassal state of the Srivijaya Empire before it seceded and sacked or occupied the city Odtojonan.

European occupation

In the 16th century the two realms were divided under European colonial powers; Philippines archipelago was held under Spanish Empire while on the south the Moluccas spice islands (now Eastern parts of Indonesia) was under Portuguese possession, later wrestled by Dutch Empire. European colonials identify both archipelagic realms as East Indies, Spanish East Indies and Dutch East Indies.

Warriors from Siau Island, North Sulawesi in the Philippines, c. 1590 Boxer Codex

From 1925 to 1926, Indonesian national hero and former PKI member Tan Malaka lived in Manila. There he became a correspondent of the nationalist newspaper El Debate, edited by Francisco Varona. Publication of Malaka's works, such as a second edition of Naar de Republiek Indonesia (December 1925) and Semangat Moeda (Young Spirit; 1926) might have been supported by Varona. He wrote his admiration for José Rizal struggle. There Malaka also met Mariano de los Santos, José Abad Santos, and Crisanto Evangelista.[21][22]

Modern-day

Presidents Joko Widodo and Benigno Aquino III shaking hands during the courtesy call at the Malacañang Palace, 2015

Since Indonesia's proclamation of independence on August 17, 1945, and the Philippines independence on July 4, 1946, the old cordial relationship between Indonesians and the Filipinos are reestablished. On November 24, 1949, the two countries established diplomatic relations.[23] Since 1949, the Indonesian Government has opened its representative office (Consular Office) in Manila but it was not until the early 1950s that a diplomatic office (embassy) was established headed by an Ambassador. To institutionalize the relations between the two countries, a treaty of friendship was signed on June 21, 1951. This Treaty constituted the basic relationship of both countries, covering several aspects such as maintenance of peace and friendship, settlement of disputes by diplomatic and peaceful means, traffic arrangements for citizens of both countries and activities to promote cooperation in the area of trade, cultural, shipping, etc. which include the political, social-economic and security matters of both countries. In 1967, both countries together with Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia founded ASEAN to ensure the peace and stability in the region.

In 2010, an Indonesian photographer by the name of Ilham Anas (known for his physical resemblance to Barack Obama) starred in a Philippine Domperidone commercial, impersonating Obama.[24] In 2012, Indonesian television producers spawned their national franchise of the Philippine game-television show Eat Bulaga!, known as Eat Bulaga! Indonesia. The first Indonesian version adopted many activities and game segments from their original Philippine counterpart, before switching TV stations and adding their own twists.[25]

However, with the case of Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina death-row inmate in Indonesia convicted of drug trafficking, relations between the two nations may take a minor strain. Veloso has however requested her family and the Philippine government not to damage the Indonesia–Philippines relations.[26] In the end, Veloso's execution was further delayed on the day she was scheduled to be executed.

In 2016, in an effort to improve the country's maritime capabilities, the Philippine Navy purchased its newest warship, the BRP Tarlac, from Indonesia. It is based on the Makassar-class ships used by the Indonesian Navy. The ship was built by PT PAL Indonesia, in Surabaya, East Java where it is to be exported from. This would enable the Philippines to rely less on foreign allies for military maritime transport.[27]

In June 2016, economic relations between Indonesia and the Philippines took a minor strain, when the Indonesian officials suspended coal exports to the Philippines. This decision was made after 7 Indonesian sailors carrying boats of coal en route to the Philippines were kidnapped by Filipino militants in the Sulu Sea. It is unknown of whether the militants were part of the Abu Sayyaf. Indonesian minister for foreign affairs Retno Marsudi stated that the moratorium would last until the Philippine government could provide confident security to Indonesian nationals. Indonesia currently is the Philippines' biggest supplier of coal, approximately 70%.[28][29]

In January 2017, the Philippines granted residence permits to persons of Indonesian descent (PIDs) and stateless people with Indonesian ancestry living in southern Philippines.[30]

Trade

According to the Indonesian Ministry of Trade, that figure has gone from $1.12 billion in 2003 to $2.9 billion in 2009 and $3.89 billion in 2010.[31] Indonesia is currently the Philippines' biggest supplier of coal, exporting about 70% of the Philippines' coal imports. In June 2016, Indonesian coal exports to the Philippines was put under a moratorium due to the growing concern of piracy in the Sulu Sea.[28] That being said, the total trade between the two countries is in excess of $5.2 billion in 2016 with the balance of trade significantly favoring Indonesia, whose exports to Philippines compose over 85% of said figure.[32][33] The first Indonesian warship to be exported was also delivered to the Philippines in May 2016.[34] During 2020, Indonesia had a large net trade with Philippines in the exports of Transportation ($1.94B), Mineral Products ($1.46B), and Foodstuffs ($803M).[35] Philippines also had a large net trade with Indonesia during 2020 in the exports of Machines ($211M), Chemical Products ($77.6M), and Metals ($72.3M).[35]

Transportation

The two countries are also actively supporting the Master Plan of ASEAN Connectivity, which will enhance greater mobility within the region. The Philippines in particular is eager to develop the ASEAN Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) Network and Short Sea Shipping. In April 2017, the new shipping route connecting Davao in the Philippines with Bitung in Indonesia was inaugurated. This shipping route is within the BIMP-EAGA agreement and expected to boost Indonesia-Philippines trade relations.[36]

In an effort to improve and modernise their railway service, the Philippine National Railways has bought diesel multiple unit train sets from PT INKA Indonesia, and deployed in December 2019.[37]

Cooperation against border terrorism and separatism

Indonesia and the Philippines are working hand-in-hand to explore ways of cooperation to combat terrorism and other forms of transnational crimes threatening their borders and more broadly within Southeast Asia.[31] Indonesia's president has expressed his country's readiness to assist the Philippine government in peace talks with Islamist separatist groups active in its borders.

The Indonesian-Philippines naval border areas in Sulawesi Sea near Sulu archipelago and Mindanao waters are known as the piracy hotspots as well as terrorist's corridor. The Islamist militant operating in Poso, Central Sulawesi, has established relations with their Islamist terrorist counterparts in Sulu and Mindanao areas in Southern Philippines. Arms supply for Poso Islamist guerillas are suspected has been supplied by arm dealer operating in the Philippines blackmarket. On March 26, 2016, 10 Indonesian sailors were held hostage by Islamist militant group Abu Sayyaf operating in Sulu archipelago in southern Philippines. The Indonesian vessels were freighting coal from South Borneo heading for Batangas port was hijacked near Sulu waters. The Philippines and Indonesian authority has been working together to crack down this hostage crisis. On May 2, 2016, 10 of Indonesian sailor hostages were released by their captors.[38]

Boundary agreement

Indonesia and Philippines share maritime borders mainly on Sulawesi Sea. In the past both countries were involved in territorial disputes over Miangas island (Island of Palmas Case). It was fought between the Netherlands and the United States and won by Netherlands East Indies in 1932. Today there is no territorial disputes between Indonesia and Philippines. In March 2011, leaders from both countries agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding to boost cooperation in security, defense, boundary delimitation, protection of migrant workers, education and sports. Indonesia is keeping its support for the Philippine proposal to delineate and segregate the disputed parts of the South China Sea from the undisputed areas in drafting the Code of Conduct that will bind countries with territorial claims in the Spratlys group of islands.

On May 23, 2014, the Philippines and Indonesia signed a historic agreement that drew a boundary between the two countries. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and his Indonesian counterpart, Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, inked the deal in Manila with Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as witnesses. The EEZ is an area 200 nautical miles from a coastal state's baselines, or edges, within which the state has the sovereign rights to explore and exploit, and conserve and manage natural resources, among others. “The conclusion of the negotiations attests to the friendship, patience, goodwill, and commitment of the governments of the Philippines and Indonesia to peacefully address maritime issues,” said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Evan Garcia, who led the Philippine team in negotiations.[39]

Disaster reliefs

Both Indonesia and Philippines archipelago are prone to natural disasters, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis and storms (typhoons, tornadoes, etc.). In spirits of solidarity and humanity both countries often help each other in times of need. The Indonesian government on Monday December 10, 2012, came to the aid of thousands of typhoon “Pablo” (Bopha) victims in the Visayas and Mindanao, donating $1 million and four tons of relief items through the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Besides the financial aid, the Indonesian government also gave 1,000 military blankets, 3,000 packs of ready-to-eat meals and 50 boxes of instant noodles.[40]

In November 2013, Indonesian Government sent humanitarian aid of goods and logistics worth $1 million to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in Central Philippines as part of ASEAN solidarity. Indonesian Red Cross also sent 688,862 tonnes emergency supplies. Three Indonesian Air Force Hercules aircraft deployed with supplies to affected areas. Logistical aid including aircraft, food, generators and medicine. The Indonesian Red Cross deployed KM Emir cargo ship loaded with emergency supplies and also 30 Indonesian Red Cross volunteers.[41][42][43][44]

See also

Notes

  1. The most common amongst the Filipino ethnic groups are the Tagalog people, Cebuano people, Bikol people and Mangyan.
  2. The most common amongst the Indonesian ethnic groups are the Javanese people, Batak people, Sundanese people and Minangkabau.

References

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  2. "The Importance of Robust Philippines-Indonesia Security Relations". The Diplomat. September 6, 2022. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  3. Indonesia at Ethnologue. (subscription required)
  4. Philippines at Ethnologue. (subscription required)
  5. Reyes, Cecilia M.; Mina, Christian D.; Asis, Ronina D. (2017). PIDS DISCUSSION PAPER SERIES: Inequality of Opportunities Among Ethnic Groups in the Philippines (PDF) (Report). Philippine Institute for Development Studies. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 8, 2020. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  6. "Unity in Diversity: Indonesia's Six Largest Ethnic Groups". Jakarta Globe. July 17, 2016. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  7. "Facts & Figures – Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia | Washington D.C." Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  8. "Know before you go: the Philippines". Travel. June 4, 2019. Archived from the original on February 17, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  9. "About the Philippines - GOV.PH". www.gov.ph. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  10. "Philippines | History, Map, Flag, Population, Capital, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  11. "Weather, Climate & Season - Indonesia Travel". www.indonesia.travel. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  12. "PAGASA". www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  13. "1941: December 8 to 1942: May 06: Battle of the Philippines". public1.nhhcaws.local. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
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  18. Everington, K. (2017). Birthplace of Austronesians is Taiwan, capital was Taitung: Scholar. Taiwan News.
  19. Bellwood, P., H. Hung, H., Lizuka, Y. (2011). Taiwan Jade in the Philippines: 3,000 Years of Trade and Long-distance Interaction. Semantic Scholar.
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  22. McVey, Ruth T. (1965). The Rise of Indonesian Communism. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press. p. 206.
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  25. Dewi, Ratna (July 14, 2012). "14 Host Pandu 'Eat Bulaga' Indonesia". KapanLagi.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved November 2, 2015.
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  27. "Janes | Latest defence and security news". Janes.com.
  28. 1 2 "Indonesia says coal on hold for Philippines after seven sailors abducted". Reuters.
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  38. Tim Hume and Kathy Quiano (May 2, 2016). "10 Indonesian hostages released by Islamist militant group, president says". CNN.
  39. "Philippines, Indonesia seal historic maritime deal". Rappler. May 23, 2014.
  40. Ramos, Marlon (December 11, 2012). "Indonesia donates $1M, 4 tons of relief goods for typhoon Pablo victims". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
  41. Primanita, Arientha (November 13, 2013). "Indonesia Sends $2m Typhoon Haiyan Aid to Philippines". Jakarta Globe. Archived from the original on November 18, 2013. Retrieved November 24, 2013.
  42. "Indonesia to Send Typhoon Aid to Philippines". Jakarta Globe. November 10, 2013. Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved November 13, 2013.
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