Bosnia and Herzegovina–Indonesia relations
Bosnia and Herzegovina–Indonesia relations refers to the bilateral relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Indonesia. Bosnia and Herzegovina has an embassy in Jakarta, while Indonesia has an embassy in Sarajevo. The bilateral relations was initially motivated by humanity and religious solidarity. As a nation with the largest Muslim population, Indonesians was shocked by the ethnic cleansing against Muslim Bosniaks during Bosnian War, and promptly organize and mobilize helps.[1] Indonesian support for Bosnia and Herzegovina ranged from collecting donations, sending peacekeeping forces under United Nations, to build a mosque.[2]
Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Indonesia |
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History
The diplomatic ties between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Indonesia began on 20 May 1992, when Indonesia recognized Bosnia and Herzegovina following the breakup of Yugoslavia.[3] Indonesia also contributed to peace and security efforts by sending peacekeeping troops in the country from 1992 to 1996 under United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR). Indonesian military observers contingent was led by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, then a brigadier general, was chief military observer under UNPROFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1995–1996.[4] The government of Bosnia and Herzegovina established their embassy in Jakarta in 1998. In the period 1994-2010 Indonesian interest on Bosnia and Herzegovina was conducted through Indonesian embassy in Budapest, and finally established Indonesian embassy in Sarajevo on 10 November 2010. In 2001, Indonesia help to build one of Sarajevo's largest mosques, the Istiqlal Mosque, inaugurated by Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs in September 2001.[3]
High level visits
Indonesian President Suharto visited Sarajevo in March 1995. A delegation of MPR Indonesian Parliament visited Bosnia and Herzegovina in May 2000. In September 2001, Indonesian Minister of Religious Affair Said Agil Al Munawar visited the capital city Sarajevo to inaugurate the Indonesian-aided "Istiqlal" Mosque. President Megawati Soekarnoputri also visited Sarajevo in September 2002. In December 2004 Foreign Minister Mladen Ivanic visited Indonesia. In 15–16 March 2007 Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirajuda visited Sarajevo.[3]
Trade and investment
Bilateral trade between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Indonesia is minuscule which was estimated just at US$1.5 million in 2008. Indonesia chiefly exports cacao, furniture, wheat and wheat products, wood and carpet, however, the imports include electrical products, machines and mechanical equipment from Bosnia and Herzegovina.[2]
Notes
- "Muslim Solidarity Committee on Bosnia Established in Jakarta". UCA News.com. Union of Catholic Asian News. September 8, 1992. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2013.
- Lilian Budianto (March 17, 2010). "Bosnia and Herzegovina invites RI investors". thejakartapost.com. The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 20 June 2013.
- "Kerjasama Bilateral, Bosnia-Herzegovina" (in Indonesian). Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Indonesia. Archived from the original on 24 June 2013. Retrieved 20 June 2013.
- Nani Afrida and Novan Iman Santosa (2 July 2012). "Indonesia aims to boost blue helmet tradition". thejakartapost.com Reportage. The Jakarta Post. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2013.