Greetings to Dear Sri Lankan, Indonesian and friends of Indonesia;
On August 17, 2024, is a special day for Indonesian citizens worldwide to celebrate the 79th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence Day. On the same day in 1945, the first President of Indonesia, Ir. Soekarno declared the proclamation of Independence of Indonesia and, with more than 300 ethnic groups, formed a new independent country named the Republic of Indonesia as a unitary state.
The development of Indonesia’s solid nationality consciousness started with the National Awakening movement in 1908 and continued in 1928 with the Youth Pledge to unify Indonesia as one identity. The unity of the people was the key to gaining Independence of Indonesia on August 17, 1945. The Indonesian motto, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika,” means the Unity in Diversity, is still and always relevant for the post-modern era, especially to maintain our Independence and to build Indonesia as one of the strongest countries in the world.
Currently Indonesia is the world’s 16th largest economy with the GDP of USD 1.37 Trillion in 2023. With its stable and growing economy, Indonesia is predicted to be the top 5 biggest economy by 2045. This is in line with the Indonesia Golden vision 2045. This expand economy will bring many opportunities to many countries including Sri Lanka.
This year marks as an historical moment for Indonesia with the relocation of its capital from Jakarta to the new capital Nusantara, located in east coast of Kalimantan. The relocation will enhance the development across Indonesia. The New capital is designed to be the most sustainable city in the world and it will be the driving force of Indonesia’s future economy with convenience and efficiency through technology and innovation as well as providing strong economic opportunities for all.
As stated in the preamble of Indonesia’s Constitution, Indonesia is dedicated to actively promoting global peace and security. In line with this commitment, Indonesia actively engages in international and regional forums, including the United Nations, Association of South East Asia Nations (ASEAN), Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC), Asia Africa Conference, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Colombo Plan and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), among many other organizations.
Indonesian enjoys a strong bond with Sri Lanka in many international organizations, showing the important of both nations in International era. The two countries were the pioneer of the Asia-African Conference in 1955 in Bandung and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961. The Platinum Jubilee of the Asia-Africa Conference in 2025 will be commemorated in April 2025 in Jakarta and Bandung. As one of the pioneers of the Asian African Conference, the role of Sri Lanka will be part of success of this event.
Indonesia also strongly supports Sri Lanka’s chairmanship of the IORA from 2023 to 2025. Indonesia has confidence that Sri Lanka’s leadership in IORA will make significant progress toward strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe embarked on an official visit to Indonesia to participate in the high-level session of the 10th World Water Summit in Bali on 18 – 20 May 2024. On the sideline of the WWF, President Wickremesinghe and President Joko Wododo held a bilateral meeting to discuss the topic of mutual concern for mutual benefits. Both Presidents also reaffirmed the need to conclude the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Indonesia and Sri Lanka by the first quarter of next year. The said PTA will be an important tool to strengthen the cooperation in economic and trade relations between the two countries.
In line with the discussion agreed by both Leaders, The 2nd round of negotiation of the PTA was held in Colombo on 15-16 July, and the 3rd round is planned to be held in Indonesia on the first week of September 2024. The progress of the negotiation is positive and both parties targeted to conclude the negotiation in December 2024 and is intended to be signed in March 2025.
On the people-to-people activities, Indonesian Embassy is actively conducting various programs in Sri Lanka. Bamboo construction training by Indonesian experts for bamboo craftsmen in Sabaragamuwa Province in June 2024 has enhanced their skills and techniques. Additionally, the Batik Workshop on August 9, 2024 has expanded the knowledge of the Sri Lankan batik makers. These initiatives hopefully will contribute to the enhancement of these craftsmen’s lives. The Festival Indonesia event on 10th August 2024 in the premises of Indonesian Embassy in Colombo has attracted many Sri Lankan to attend. The crowds was entertained with the culture, dances and culinary of Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
Also, for the first time the Embassy of Indonesia convened “the Indonesia Badminton Cup 2024” in Colombo on 11th August as a symbol of friendship, mutual respect, and the enduring partnership between our nations. This event was warmly welcomed by Sri Lankans, especially badminton lovers.
In Conclusion, Indonesia stands ready to further advance relations with Sri Lanka to be more vigorous and robust and to forge a closer bond of friendly ties to being a reliable partner for Sri Lanka. Many opportunities are ahead, so let us continuously work together to bring more significant benefits and prosperity for our two peoples.
Long live the Indonesia and Sri Lanka partnership!
