An important basis of bilateral relations was the technical support provided by the SDC and the establishment of polytechnics over a period of 20 years (1976-1996, total volume of supported projects: CHF 277 million) an important basis for bilateral relations, which still contributes to Switzerland's good reputation in Indonesia today.
Since 2008, Indonesia has been one of the eight priority countries for economic development cooperation of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). As part of a 2021–24 cooperation programme, SECO is focusing on effective state institutions and the competitiveness of the private sector, in particular SMEs.
To cope with the consequences of the 2004 tsunami, Switzerland committed funds totalling CHF 12.5 million, which were used in corresponding SDC programmes. Since then, Switzerland has continued to provide Indonesia with support in the event of natural disasters, including earthquakes (in Lombok in 2018) and tsunamis (in Palu in 2018).
Since 2013, two regional risk reduction and disaster relief experts have been stationed in Bangkok to support DRR projects in South East Asia and the Pacific, and to be on-site in the event of natural disasters. These experts also support ASEAN in disaster risk management and responsiveness.
Switzerland and Indonesia: International cooperation
Economic cooperation and development, Indonesia, SECO