The connection between Indonesia and India on the basis of cultural linkages spanning thousands of years has rarely manifested itself in the maritime sector. Aware of this absence of collaboration, both sides have pledged to deepen maritime cooperation this year.

The canteen of the Foreign Ministry in Jakarta was awash with color and a unique atmosphere on Tuesday, as organizers showcased the many cultural linkages between Indonesia and India as part of celebrations commemorating 70 years of diplomatic ties this year.

Balinese and Indian traditional dancers mesmerized the audience, showing glimpses of the millennia of influence of Hindu-Sanskrit teachings on Balinese culture.

Throughout the hall, more than a dozen photos depicting historic moments in the bilateral relationship were put up as part of an exhibition. Familiar figures, such as former Indonesian president Sukarno and his then-Indian counterpart Jawaharlal Nehru could be seen marking the beginning of formal relations between the countries in 1949.

“As newly independent nations, our leaders joined hands to develop a partnership based on our shared cultural heritage and values system,” said Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Pradeep Kumar Rawat in his speech to open the reception on Tuesday.

“In May last year, during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Indonesia, we established a comprehensive strategic partnership. Our first [priority] is to develop closer physical linkages to further strengthen cultural [...] relations between our people,” the envoy said.

Among these linkages, Rawat hinted at greater maritime connectivity. In March, local reports emerged about an agreement between the two sides to promote greater engagement between the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra. The deal envisions joint development in the region to promote cruise and ecotourism, air transportation and sea connectivity to facilitate trade.

Indonesia’s leading diplomat on South and Central Asian affairs, Ferdy Piay, said that maritime cooperation was agreed under the so-called Shared Vision for the Indo-Pacific region, the outcome document of three meetings between President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and PM Modi.

The Indo-Pacific is a catch-all phrase for a regional order spanning the Indian and Pacific oceans, subject to different interpretations.

New Delhi, which has thrown support behind Indonesia’s vision of an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific strategy, will focus on tackling environment, security and safety issues with Jakarta.

“Besides our existing patrols, we plan to highlight plans to address marine [plastic] debris,” Ferdy told The Jakarta Post after Tuesday’s event. He expressed hope that a deal would be signed by the end of this year.

In the realm of defense, the Indian and Indonesian navies just ended their 33rd coordinated patrol exercise near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands earlier this month.

Engagement between the two leaders will also be intensified with an agreement to meet at a dedicated summit or sideline event.

Premesha Saha, an associate fellow at the New Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation think tank, said Indonesia and India had rarely explored the maritime aspect of their bilateral relationship outside of the coordinated patrols. But now, that was likely to change.

“India has just opened an Indo-Pacific wing in the Ministry of External Affairs. So, given the importance being given to the Indo-Pacific in the Indian foreign policy calculus, Indonesia will be a very important country to strengthen relations with,” she told the Post. (tjs)

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