Indonesia and Israel: A Relationship In Waiting

Publication Date: March 2005

Publisher: Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs

Author(s): Colin Rubenstein; Greg Barton

Research Area: Culture and religion; International relations

Keywords: Dialogue; Globalization; Israeli-Palestinian Conflict; International Relations

Type: Report

Coverage: Indonesia Israel

Abstract:

The authors review the history of relations between Indonesia and Israel, from the Sukarno period (1945-65) through Suharto and Abdurrahman Wahid, until the present. While Indonesia, like other Muslim-majority nations, shares a reluctance to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, the authors note that trade flows and interpersonal connections between the two nations have improved since the Oslo peace process. A solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will smooth the way for normalized relations between the two countries, the authors contend.