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Shared interests bring Indonesia, South Pacific closer
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Indonesia's President Joko Widodo (center) arrives to attend a session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Port Moresby. (AFP/Saeed Khan)
“If I go, there’s just no telling how far I’ll go.” declared Moana, the charming Polynesian character from the 2016 Disney animated film. A similar analogy was used by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo at the Archipelagic and Island State conference in Manado, North Sulawesi last November.
There is no telling how far the partnership between Indonesia and South Pacific island countries can go.
Located in the same Pacific region, with a common heritage and sharing similar challenges, the interests of Indonesia and the South Pacific naturally align. These are the foundation for Indonesia’s future engagement with the region.
Indonesia’s easternmost provinces jut and form a natural sea and land bridge into the southwest and northwest of the South Pacific. Comprising many islands facing the constant threat of natural disasters and climate change, Indonesia and South Pacific countries face the challenge of connecting the islands throughout the vast ocean.
