Indonesia–Vanuatu relations

Indonesia–Vanuatu relations
Map indicating locations of Indonesia and Vanuatu

Indonesia
Vanuatu

Indonesia–Vanuatu relations are the bilateral relations between Indonesia and Vanuatu. Relations have been historically strained due to Vanuatu's support for the Free Papua Movement.[1][2] Both nations are members of the Non-Aligned Movement, World Trade Organization, and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) where Indonesia is labeled as an observer state.[3]

History

The two nations established diplomatic relations on 3 July 1995[4][5] when Vanuatu's Prime Minister Maxime Korman visited Indonesia and signed a Joint Communiqué with Indonesian President Soeharto. This marked the start of cooperation, including discussions on Vanuatu's support for Indonesia's foreign policy regarding East Timor.[6]

In 2018, Indonesia accused Vanuatu of undermining ties and backing separatist movements after Vanuatu supported West Papuan self-determination at the United Nations. Indonesian representative Aloysius Selwas Taborat criticized Vanuatu's stance as a disguise for promoting separatism, referencing a 1969 UN resolution on West Papua. Vanuatu's Prime Minister Charlot Salwai called for human rights investigations in West Papua, where abuses are frequently reported. Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla condemned these actions as hostile and a violation of UN principles, affirming Indonesia's commitment to defend its territorial integrity.[7]

On 16 June 2023, Vanuatu's Foreign Minister Jotham Napat met with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, marking the first visit by a senior Vanuatu official to Jakarta in over a decade. During the meeting, Vanuatu announced plans to establish an embassy in Jakarta and initiate annual bilateral meetings, aiming to enhance cooperation in trade and development. Both ministers acknowledged shared challenges like climate change and natural disasters, emphasizing the "Pacific Elevation" initiative launched by Indonesia to strengthen ties with Pacific nations. Despite historical tensions regarding human rights in Papua, analysts suggest that enhanced relations may be a countermeasure to China's influence in the Pacific, with Vanuatu balancing its human rights advocacy and diplomatic engagements as a means for mutual growth.[8]

On 19 June 2023, Indonesian Vice President Ma'ruf Amin met with Foreign Minister Napat at the Vice Presidential Palace. They discussed strengthening bilateral relations, focusing on development and economics, and Indonesia's role as a gateway for Vanuatu to the ASEAN market. Amin emphasized sustainable development efforts in Papua and the formation of a steering committee for long-term goals. Nauka expressed Vanuatu's desire to enhance cooperation, including sister city relationships with the Papua Province, with officials from both nations present to explore collaborative initiatives.[9]

On 19 October 2024, Vanuatu's Prime Minister Charlot Salwai visited Indonesia on the occasion of the Inauguration of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.[10] He also met with President Prabowo to discuss collaborative projects aimed at enhancing bilateral relations. Key areas of focus include maritime cooperation, infrastructure, and the shipping industry. Indonesian Ambassador to Australia and Vanuatu, Siswo Pramono, noted that initial groundwork has been established, with the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra initiating discussions with relevant ministries.[11]

Cooperation

In 2024, Indonesia allocated about 6 billion rupiah for disaster waste management in Vanuatu and 1.2 billion rupiah to enhance the capacity of healthcare workers in their nursing sector.[12]

On 23 June 2025, Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir highlighted Indonesia’s dedication to enhancing bilateral cooperation with Pacific nations for mutual prosperity and solidarity in addressing global challenges, during discussions with Vanuatu's Foreign Minister Marc Ati.[13]

Foreign Aid

In April 2015, the Indonesian government provided $2 million in aid to Vanuatu following a cyclone resulting in 11 fatalities and thousands left homeless. The aid includes $450 thousand in cash, nutritional supplements, ready-to-eat food, baby and pregnancy food, clothing, blankets, solar cells, and family tents.[14]

On 27 December 2024, the Indonesian government sent 50.5 tons of humanitarian aid to Vanuatu following a 7.3 magnitude earthquake on 17 December that resulted in 12 deaths and extensive injuries. The aid package includes an Emergency Medical Team, medical supplies, hygiene kits, food for vulnerable groups, water purifiers, and a medical service tent.[15]

Trade

In 2024, Indonesia's exports to Vanuatu reached $12.5 million, primarily consisting of Passenger and Cargo Ships ($2.5 million), Iron Structures ($2.3 million), and Palm Oil ($1.76 million). This represents a 24.2% annual growth from $4.24 million in 2019. Conversely, Vanuatu exported $1.55 million to Indonesia, mainly Cocoa Beans ($1.55 million), with exports increasing at an annual rate of 18.2% from $672 thousand in 2019.[16]

In February 2026, the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, solidifying their collaboration. This agreement, initially initialed on 14 October 2025, marked a significant step in enhancing trade and investment opportunities between Indonesia and Vanuatu. Key areas for cooperation include fisheries, cocoa, beef, and coffee exports, with plans for an Indonesian business mission to Vanuatu in May 2026. The MoU establishes a three-year framework for ongoing private sector collaboration.[17]

Resident diplomatic missions

  • Indonesia is represented in Vanuatu through its embassy in Canberra, Australia.[18] However, Vanuatu suggested that an Indonesian embassy in Port Vila should be kept apart from the one in Canberra.[19]
  • In 2015 and 2023, Vanuatu announced plans to open an embassy in Jakarta.[20][21]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Manning, Selwyn (22 June 2010). "Vanuatu to seek observer status for West Papua at MSG and PIF leaders summits". Pacific Scoop. Archived from the original on 22 October 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  2. ↑ "Fiery debate over West Papua at UN General Assembly". Radio New Zealand 2017. 27 September 2017. Archived from the original on 1 October 2017. Retrieved 7 October 2017.
  3. ↑ Liam Fox (25 June 2015). "Indonesia admitted to Melanesian Spearhead Group, West Papuan group given observer status". ABC. Retrieved 22 September 2015.
  4. ↑ Indonesia, an Official Handbook. 1996. p. 81.
  5. ↑ "Vanuatu Diplomatic Relations" (PDF). mfaicet.gov.vu. pp. 49–51. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 September 2024. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  6. ↑ "Hubungan Diplomatik Indonesia dan Vanuatu Terkait Dengan Pernyataan Vanuatu Mendukung Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM)". E-Journal UNSRAT (in Indonesian). Retrieved 5 July 2026.
  7. ↑ Davidson, Helen (2 October 2018). "Indonesia accuses Vanuatu of 'inexcusable' support for West Papua". The Guardian. Retrieved 5 July 2026.
  8. ↑ Tanamal, Yvette (17 June 2023). "Indonesia, Vanuatu pledge closer ties". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  9. ↑ "Tingkatkan Kerja Sama Bilateral, Indonesia-Vanuatu Sepakat Hormati Kedaulatan Kedua Negara". Ministry of the State Secretariat (in Indonesian). 19 June 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  10. ↑ Bestari, Novina Putri (19 October 2024). "Hadiri Pelantikan Prabowo-Gibran, PM Vanuatu Tiba-Dijemput Sandiaga". CNBC Indonesia (in Indonesian). Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  11. ↑ Mampioper, Dominggus A. (1 December 2024). "Pertemuan di Jakarta buka pintu bagi pembangunan Vanuatu". Jubi.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  12. ↑ "Building Prosperity in the Pacific Through Indonesia's International Development Cooperation Program". Parahyangan Center for International Studies. 11 August 2025. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  13. ↑ "RI, Pacific nations seek to step up ties for shared prosperity". Antara News. 24 June 2025. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  14. ↑ "Indonesia Sends Aid to Cyclone-Hit Vanuatu". Jakarta Globe. 5 April 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  15. ↑ "Indonesia Kirim Bantuan Kemanusiaan ke Vanuatu untuk Korban Gempa Bumi". Ministry of Health (Indonesia) (in Indonesian). 27 December 2024. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  16. ↑ "Indonesia (IDN) and Vanuatu (VUT) Trade". The Observatory of Economic Complexity. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  17. ↑ "VCCI and Indonesian counterpart strengthen business ties". Dailypost.vu. 24 February 2026. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  18. ↑ "Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Canberra, Australia". Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  19. ↑ "Indonesia, Australia and Vanuatu Working Together on Equality". Kompas.id. 3 January 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  20. ↑ "Vanuatu to open embassy in Jakarta". RNZ. 20 April 2015. Retrieved 5 July 2026.
  21. ↑ "Menlu Retno sambut rencana pembukaan Kedubes Vanuatu di Indonesia". Antara (in Indonesian). 16 June 2023. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
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