Jakarta, 15 December 2021(TDI): United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken made an official trip to Indonesia. Indonesia is the first destination of the US Secretary of State because Blinken is set to visit other countries such as Thailand and Malaysia.
During his stay in Indonesia, Blinken met with Indonesia President Joko Widodo. Both authorities met yesterday. Indeed, the two authorities discussed the relationship between their two countries.
Also, Blinken and President Joko discussed the interaction of the United States and Indonesia in the bilateral or multilateral way in the region. In addition, democracy, human rights, climate, and the Coronavirus crisis, were the topics addressed.
Blinken congratulated the Indonesian president on three important points. The first one is the presidency of the G20 Indonesia. The second point is about leadership in the region that Indonesia practice. The third point is the support in its contribution to the international community.
The US and Indonesia Relationship
The United States with Indonesia started bilateral relations in 1949, after its independence. Indeed, Indonesia is a fundamental partner to the US in the region of Asia-pacific.
Both countries have representatives in the other country. For instance, the US has its embassy in Jakarta, and Indonesia has an embassy in Washington DC.
Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s big economy and the most populated country in the region of southeast Asia. Moreover, it is the third largest democratic country, and it is also the most populated Muslim country. Furthermore, Indonesia is home to the third rainforest in the world.
Both countries cooperate in education, security, trade, the upholding of democracy, and more. For instance, in 2010 both nations started a partnership that emphasized their collaboration.
Regarding multilateral interactions, both are members of the United Nations (UN), the international monetary fund (IMF), G20. In addition to that, the US is a partner of ASEAN whereas Indonesia is a member state alongside other southeast countries.
