Greetings to the dear people of Sri Lanka, fellow Indonesians, and Friends of Indonesia,
The 17th of August is a momentous and historic day for Indonesians around the world. On this day in 1945, eighty years ago, Indonesia’s founding fathers—President Ir. Soekarno and Vice President Mohammad Hatta—proclaimed the independence of the Republic of Indonesia. They laid the foundation of a sovereign and united nation composed of more than 300 ethnic groups, now proudly known as the Republic of Indonesia.
Since that historic proclamation, Indonesia has undertaken a journey of resilience, growth, and transformation—turning challenges into opportunities. Today, as we celebrate 80 years of independence, Indonesia stands as a rising middle power in Asia, actively shaping its role in the international order.
Following the inauguration of H.E. President Prabowo Subianto in October 2024 as the 8th President of the Republic of Indonesia, a new national vision – ASTA CITA (Eight Missions for Transformation) – has been introduced. These missions focus on key strategic priorities, including food and energy security, human capital development, the green economy, and inclusive and equitable growth. Together, they form a roadmap towards Golden Indonesia 2045 (Indonesia Emas 2045), with the aspiration of becoming the world’s 5th largest economy by Indonesia’s centennial year.
To realize this vision, Indonesia remains steadfast in advancing economic development and safeguarding national stability, while continuously adapting policies that promote value-added and strategic initiatives. These efforts include optimizing the potential of natural resources through high value-added downstream processing, as well as accelerating infrastructure development supported by instruments such as the sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, which opens opportunities for both inbound and outbound investment. In this spirit of shared growth and cooperation with many nations, Indonesia warmly welcomes the strengthen partnerships with Sri Lanka.
Indonesia is committed to becoming a strong, resilient, and globally competitive nation. In pursuit of this ambition, Indonesia values the support of friends and partners who share common aspirations including Sri Lanka. The two countries share many similarities: both are agricultural and maritime nations, rich in natural resources and strategically located at key crossroads of regional and global trade. These shared characteristics form a solid foundation for strengthening bilateral relations and unlocking new opportunities. With these commonalities as a source of strength, Indonesia and Sri Lanka are well positioned to cultivate a mutually beneficial partnership that continues to grow reinforcing cooperation both regionally and globally.
The bond between Indonesia and Sri Lanka stretches beyond the formal diplomatic relations established in 1952. This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the Asia–Africa Conference, held in Bandung on 18 – 24 April 1955. That conference was co-sponsored by the government of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Burma, India and Pakistan and was initiated a year before with the Colombo Powers Conference held in Kandy. It was a ground-breaking event that united newly independent nations of the Global South in resistance to colonialism and paved the way for the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement. Its spirit remains deeply relevant today, as our nations navigate a world marked by rapid transformation and complexity.
President Prabowo Subianto has rightly stated, “the only path to prosperity is through collaboration, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence.” This principle guides our efforts to deepen ties with Sri Lanka and promote stronger South–South cooperation. By working together, we can elevate our shared presence on the world stage and contribute meaningfully to a more inclusive, sustainable global future.
Our longstanding friendship continues to grow stronger each year. While bilateral trade has increased, there is still significant potential to diversify and expand our economic ties including in sectors such as textiles, value-added mineral and agricultural products and industries, and infrastructure.
Additionally, other areas like investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges offer great opportunities for deeper engagement. I firmly believe that by working hand in hand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka can build an even more prosperous and resilient partnership.
Indonesia stands ready to advance our bilateral relationship—making it more dynamic, robust, and mutually beneficial. Sri Lanka is not only a strategic partner, but also a trusted friend and brother to Indonesia.
Let us work together, remain close, and build a future of shared success and well-being for the peoples of Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
Long live the Indonesia–Sri Lanka partnership!
Colombo, 17 August 2025
