Politics Overview

The Dutch began to colonize Indonesia in the early 17^th century; Japan occupied the islands from 1942 to 1945. Indonesia declared its independence after Japan's surrender, but it required four years of intermittent negotiations, recurring hostilities, and UN mediation before the Netherlands agreed to transfer sovereignty in 1949. Indonesia's first free parliamentary election after decades of repressive rule took place in 1999. Indonesia is now the world's third-largest democracy, the world's largest archipelagic state, and home to the world's largest Muslim population. Indonesia has made remarkable gains in the first decade of the 21^st century, it managed a successful transition of multiparty democracy, embarked on the long journey of economic reform, and proven to be a strong partner in the fight against terrorism. It is likely that these positive trends will continue, and that Indonesia will continue to evolve as  a stable democratic state with improved social cohesion. As the largest country in southeast Asia, it will continue to play a crucial role in the ASEAN, while also seeking other avenues to play a constructive role more broadly in global affairs.

Indonesia’s democratic development therefore continues to be very welcome. The evolution of democracy gives Indonesia a sound foundation for long term stability and prosperity, and positive relationships with its neighbours. Current issues include: alleviating poverty, improving education, preventing terrorism, consolidating democracy after four decades of authoritarianism, implementing economic and financial reforms, stemming corruption, holding the military and police accountable for past human rights violations, addressing climate change, and controlling avian influenza. In 2005, Indonesia reached a historic peace agreement with armed separatists in Aceh, which led to democratic elections in Aceh in December 2006.

 the Foreign Policy: