UNU Jogja Hosts Prof. Shankari from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Highlights the Strategic Role of Indonesia and India in the Region

Yogyakarta, Indonesia - Indonesia and India are two nations with a long history, many similarities, and strategic roles within their respective regions. Cooperation between the two countries extends far beyond diplomatic relations and serves as an essential foundation for future synergy.

This point emerged during the public discussion “Indonesia–India Relations: Historical Ground and Future Collaboration” held at The Forum, 3rd floor of UNU Jogja Campus, on Tuesday, November 11. The keynote speakers were Prof. Shankari Sundararaman, Director of the Centre for Indo-Pacific Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India, and Mu’ammar Zayn Qaddafy, a researcher at the Center for Islam and The Futures, UNU Jogja.

Prof. Shankari explained that India and Indonesia share similarities as pluralistic nations, rich in ethnic and cultural diversity. This diversity is a unique legacy that has shaped both nations as they develop, experience ups and downs, and build cooperation. “The similarities also extend to their social structures and political complexities,” she emphasized.

Both countries also experienced colonialism, which left a lasting impact as postcolonial states. Figures from the independence movements in India and Indonesia such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Sukarno mutually supported each other. India was, in fact, the first country to recognize Indonesia’s independence.

“The nationalist movements in India and Indonesia inspired the independence of other nations. Both countries have played significant roles in their respective regions,” said Prof. Shankari.

India–Indonesia relations have continued into the democratic era. Earlier this year, President Prabowo Subianto visited India as an honored guest during India’s Republic Day celebrations. Various collaborations have been established in fields such as culture, health, maritime affairs, and technology.

UNU Jogja researcher Mu’ammar Zayn Qaddafy added that long before Indian films and music became familiar to Indonesians, ties between India and Indonesia had already formed in the 15th–16th centuries through the exchange of intellectual ideas.

He explored this intellectual connection through the works of two scholars: Denys Lombard, with his monumental Nusa Jawa: Silang Budaya, and Mahmood Kooria, through his research Islamic Law in Circulation: Shafii Texts Across the Indian Ocean.

“From both studies, we can conclude that Southeast Asia has long been a crossroads of Indian, Chinese, Islamic, and Western influences—spread across the Indian Ocean, which served not only as a trade route but also as a network of intellectual exchange,” he explained.

Prof. Shankari and Mu’ammar agreed that collaboration between Indonesia and India must continue through various strategic opportunities. As part of this synergy, UNU Jogja has established an educational partnership with Jawaharlal Nehru University. Additionally, last year the Indian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, visited UNU Jogja to initiate the Indonesia–India School of Food Security. [Arif]