The brotherhood, love and friendship between Islamic Republic of Pakistan and The Repulic of Indonesia is very deep rooted and historical. For centuries the people of the both countries have well acquaintance with each other.
The people to people interaction was due to common religion, trade, job based activities and yearly gathering at the occasion of Haj in the Holly city of Makkah. The advanced maritime facilities brought the people of both nations closer and closer. The islands of Java and Samatra were rich in resources and were very attractive for business men and common labourer. During colonial era, people from this part of South Asia, which is now Pakistan used to travel towards this land for trade and jobs. The common religion and frequent interaction provided them chances to establish matrimonial relations with each other. Most of the people who went there for trade and jobs permanently settled there. These were from areas, now comprise Pakistan. Those who retired their homes in Pskistan, some of them had wives from the areas comprise Indonesia. The Javan and Smatran featured people are seen in different parts of Pakistan. The retired people from these islands of Java and Samatra brought with them good memories of that land. In winter nights before fire place they used to tell the tales about Indonesia to their grand children, in this way, Pakistani children become aware about Indonesians. These stories became the source of acquaintance for Pakistan’s next generation.
We know and love Java and Samatra as we know and like Karachi and Lahore. The ex- Soldiers who were the participants in Inonesian war of independence, used to regard that time the most precious asset of their lives. Their best memories were about the time they passed in jungles of Indonesia, in hunting the Dutch aggressors. This all proved, strengthening of cordial relationship between the two nations, That was the time of ending of World War II, The people of Indonesia had gathered under the leadership of courageous and wise Suekarno.
They started their armed struggle against the Duch, when the Duch army came back to re-establish Duch rule. That was a very crucial time for our Indonesian brothers, they were in need of moral and material support from the outside world. Same was the time, muslims of South Asia were in the final phase of their political struggle, for the achievement of Pakistan. Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the President of All India Muslim league, a muslim political party, which was leading Pakistan movement. Inspite of difficult situation at home, Q.A. Muhammad Ali Jinnah ordered all the muslims of South Asia to stand with their Indonesian brothers and protest against the naked Duch aggression against Indonesian people. He also proclaimed practical help for Indonesian brothers in their struggle for freedom.
The command of Q.A. Muhammad Ali Jinnah was responded by hundreds of muslim soldiers, and they started deserting from British Indian Army and joined the Indonesian armed struggle. If we imagine those historical and sentimental moments, when the muslim soldiers belonging to now Pakitan, used to desert from British Indian army, and enthusiastically chant “Merdeka” the Indonesian freedom slogan. Then they bravely used to face Duch bullets, many hundred among them embarrassed Shahadt (Martyrdom) and never retired back to their homes in new born Pakistan, they were buried in Indonesian soil. They lit the path of Indonesia Pakistan friendship with their sacred blood.
They fought against colonial forces, at the side of Indonesian brothers, and proved that we are same. Those who survived, some of them, retired to their homes in Pakistan, and others opted Indonesia as their new homeland. During Indonesian independence war, at one occasion, Q.A. also ordered for the detention of Duch airplanes on Karachi Airport, these were sent to provide help to Duch army which was engaged in war against the Indonesian freedom fighters. This all was the symbol of unity and cordial harmony with the freedom movement of Indonesia. That was a very historical and memorable moment, when the Embassy of Pakistan was established and started working in the Capital of Indonesia, “Jakarta”, in 1950.
After this the relationships between two brother countries increased day by day.The great test for this friendship was the time of Indo-Pak war of 1965. During this war, the moral and material support from Indonesia is still alive in the memories of Pakistani nation.The people of Pakistan cannot forget the bold stance of the then President of Indonesia, Suekarno, who offered to join naval war against India. He placed his Navy at the disposal of Pakistan. This made the Coastal cities of Pakistan safe from any Indian assault. For Indian Navy it was a matter of hovering threat to face the strong naval force of Indonesia.
Pakistan and Indonesia give immens importance to increase the existing friendly relations. They are trying to co-operate in all fields, according to the needs, specially both are rapidly developing their coordination in trade, commerce and defense. Pakistan and Indonesia have very bright future opportunities to be benefited from each other’s experiences in education, telecom, IT industry and growth of agriculture. The environmental issue also needs collective efforts. The challenging situation of the world and the area,is a matter of concern for both nations. How to cope the global threats of environmental change, food insecurity, energy crises, inflation, poverty, instability in middle east, war in Ukraine all need collective efforts at bilateral and international levels. The natural disasters like floods and earth quakes are also common problems and need collective planning and remedies. Being the major trade partners both countries can increase their trade volume by suitable mechanism. In modern world no country can ignore to enhance the trade relations with other countries. Pakistan and Indonesia can get benefits from great potential present in investment in different sectors in the
light of Pakistans’ recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with GCC Countries.
The futuristic opportunities are bright, Indonesia can be a best partner of Pakistan in this glorious episode, similarly Indonesia is providing business and investment offers and facilities to potential investors which need to be availed by Pakistan. Two things play an important role in bilateral relationship, enhancing economical and trade activities and the language awareness. English is neither the language of Pakistanies nor that of Indonesians but still playing a sole role of communication, but it cannot fulfill the required needs till the traders of both countries become capable to deal in their own national languages know how of each others language is the best way to boast the relationship, exchange of new thougths, experiences, and flourishing of tourism.
There should be an arrangement for language teaching mechanism between the two nations. In future Indian Ocean will be the most important for the rival forces. The maritime movement and trade will be in danger in case of hegemony of India in the waters. Having bad relations with Pakistan or trade rivalry with Indonesia would be a matter of serious consequences. A joint venture to enhance the naval cooperation between Indonesia and Pakistan is inevitable and good option. There is an huge opportunity for both countries to take sound steps for the enhancement of defence cooperation. The investment in the development of defence industry will be a source of mutual strength. We have common interests, aspirations for a better and safe future, and this all can be achieved by collective efforts in all spheres of life.
