Singapore’s economic success, safety and cleanliness place it alongside Saudi Arabia and Turkey among the many countries most admired by Indonesians, in keeping with a brand new study. But the United States and Europe fared worse than Russia, and China’s suspicions made it the least admired nation.
An Indonesian country survey project conducted by ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute found that 89.1% of 1,620 respondents ranked Singapore third in respect, behind Saudi Arabia (95.7%) and Turkey (90.1%).
Saudi Arabia took first place when asked which country is crucial for Indonesia, with 97.4% of respondents selecting it. This was followed by Singapore with 90.8% and Turkey with 90.4%.
According to Dr. Burhanuddin Muhtadi, a guest on the ISEAS Indonesia Studies Program, Saudi Arabia’s popularity is especially on account of its location as home to 2 of Islam’s holiest sites, the Kaabah in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.
“Every year, Muslims from all over the world visit our nation on pilgrimage,” said Dr. Burhanuddin, one among three scientists who took part within the survey. Turkey’s high position also results from its status as a Muslim nation.
Singapore’s attractiveness to Indonesia stems from its safety, cleanliness and economic success, in keeping with PermataBank Chief Economist Josua Pardede, who added: “Indonesians have a positive view of Singapore since it is taken into account a tourist destination and is the geographically closest country.” Additionally, Singapore offers a safer and cleaner urban environment and law enforcement.”
“In terms of economic development, Singapore is a developed country in the ASEAN region, which can serve as a model for Indonesians.” In 2021, bilateral trade between Singapore and Indonesia reached $59.1 billion, up 21% from the previous 12 months. In 2021, Singapore’s investment in Indonesia was US$9.4 billion (S$12.5 billion). Since 2014, Singapore has also been at the highest of the list of investors in Indonesia.
In July 2022, face-to-face interviews were conducted in all 34 Indonesian provinces. The publication is published once every five years.
Dr. The other two researchers are Siwage Dharma Negara and Hui Yew-Foong, who also coordinate the ISEAS study program in Indonesia. The study’s authors found that Russia is viewed more favorably than the United States and the European Union. According to the information, 86.8 percent respondents expressed admiration for Russia, in comparison with 81.8 percent within the case of the United States and 86.5 percent within the case of the European Union.
According to Dr. Burhanuddin, anti-American and anti-Western emotions are one among the the reason why Indonesians value Russia over the West. “These views stem from the assumption that the United States and the West have treated Muslims unfairly,” he said, citing foreign policy within the Middle East, especially the Israeli-Palestinian issue. The least admired country was China – only 78.2% of respondents expressed admiration.
The report showed that 34.1% of respondents rated China’s influence on Indonesia as unfavorable, while 27.1% rated it pretty much as good.
“As China gains its newfound position as a global economic giant, Indonesians appear wary of China’s advances,” Dr. Hui explained.
The survey showed that 60.3% of respondents had a negative opinion of China’s Belt and Road initiative. The goal of the multi-trillion-dollar investment plan is to create a contemporary version of the traditional Silk Road trade route from Asia to Europe.
Some Indonesians might even see the project as a “financial debt trap for other nations”, including Indonesia, which can leave them deeply indebted to China.
“At home, Indonesians may be wary of Chinese overseas workers, who make up about half of all foreign workers in Indonesia,” Dr. Hui continued.
