Disir
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- Sep 30, 2011
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Iran’s relationship with a majority of its neighbors is strained. As a Shia-governed state, the country has struggled to attain influence on the world stage. The Iranian government’s hard-line religious rhetoric, as well as the Iran-Saudi Arabia proxy conflict, has done little to alleviate Iran’s economic and geopolitical challenges.
Yet despite tense relations with its Saudi-aligned Sunni counterparts, Iran’s relationship with Indonesia, the largest Sunni state by population, remains remarkably friendly.
Resource-rich, populous, and relatively influential in its region, Indonesia is an alluring ally for both Iran and Saudi Arabia. However, Indonesia has always been cautious in picking sides between these two rival powers, an outgrowth of its long-held foreign policy preference for non-alignment.
I don't think anyone should be surprised.
Yet despite tense relations with its Saudi-aligned Sunni counterparts, Iran’s relationship with Indonesia, the largest Sunni state by population, remains remarkably friendly.
Resource-rich, populous, and relatively influential in its region, Indonesia is an alluring ally for both Iran and Saudi Arabia. However, Indonesia has always been cautious in picking sides between these two rival powers, an outgrowth of its long-held foreign policy preference for non-alignment.
Khomeini in the Archipelago: Iranian Interests and Influence in Indonesia
Despite rising anti-Shia sentiment within Indonesia, Tehran has quietly built its relations with Jakarta.
thediplomat.com
I don't think anyone should be surprised.
