Note to our readers: Background Notes are no longer being updated or produced. They are being replaced with Fact Sheets focusing on U.S. relations with countries and other areas and providing links to additional resources. For archived versions of Background Notes, visithttp://www.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/.
More information about Indonesia is available on the Indonesia Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-INDONESIA RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Indonesia in 1949, following its independence from the Netherlands. The United States has important economic, commercial, and security interests in Indonesia, and relations are positive and cooperative. Indonesia is a stable, democratic nation committed to a comprehensive partnership with the United States. The country is a linchpin of regional security due to its strategic location astride a number of key international maritime straits, particularly the Malacca Strait. Friction points in the bilateral political relationship have included human rights and differences in foreign policy, such as on Palestine statehood.
U.S. Assistance to Indonesia
Indonesia faces domestic development challenges; uneven benefits from democratic and economic progress; fragile institutions that are ill-equipped to address social service needs; and risks from climate change and environmental degradation. The U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership focuses on a forward-looking agenda that promotes cooperation across a wide range of key development areas: strengthening education and professional ties, improving governance, building public support for shared values, improving trade and investment, advancing security, partnering on international issues, cooperating on health, and supporting environmental sustainability.
U.S. development assistance is delivered through U.S. Agency for International Development programs, Millennium Challenge Corporation funding, and Peace Corps projects.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Indonesia has a market-based economy in which the government plays a significant role. U.S. exports to Indonesia include agricultural products, aircraft, machinery, and cotton yarn and fabric. U.S. imports from Indonesia include agricultural products, apparel, electrical machinery, and oil. U.S. companies have invested heavily in the petroleum sector. Two U.S. firms operate two copper/gold mines in Indonesia. The United States and Indonesia have an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation.
Indonesia's Membership in International Organizations
Indonesia and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, ASEAN Regional Forum, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, G-20, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Indonesia also participates as a key partner in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's Enhanced Engagement program.
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia is Scot Marciel; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Indonesia maintains an embassy in the United States at 2020 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 (tel. 202-775-5200).
More information about Indonesia is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Indonesia Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
U.S. Embassy: Indonesia
USAID Indonesia Page
History of U.S. Relations With Indonesia
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Millennium Challenge Corporation
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information
