Message of H.E. I Gusti Ngurah Ardiyasa Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia

Greetings to Indonesians and friends of Indonesia;

Today 17 August 2021 is a special day for Indonesian citizens all over the world for celebrating the 76th 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 the formation of a new independent country name the Republic of Indonesia as a unitary state.

The development of Indonesia 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 is the key to gain our Independence on 17th August 1945. Our motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, the Unity in Diversity, however is still and always relevant for post-modern era, especially to maintain our Independence and to build Indonesia as one of the strong countries in the world.

As stated in preamble of the Indonesia’s Constitution, Indonesia is committed to actively contribute to the world peace and security. Accordingly, Indonesia remains actively participating in international and regional forum which consist among other are UN, ASEAN, UNRWA, OIC and IORA among many other organizations.

In connection with the commitment, Indonesian President Joko Widodo stressed that Indonesia will continue to support the independence of Palestine, based on two state-solution and UN Security Council Resolutions as well as internationally agreed parameters. President Joko Widodo also emphasized that Indonesia has no intentions to open up diplomatic relations with Israel.

As a member of ECOSOC, Indonesia is committed to continuing its active participation in encouraging the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Indonesia also continues to strive to increase its role in discussing strategic issues, especially in Special Agencies under the ECOSOC, including FAO, WHO, IMO, ICAO, and IAEA.
In line with the commitment, In January 2021 Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs Retno L.P. Marsudi chairing the COVAX-AMC Engagement Group Meeting that was held virtually. COVAX-AMC EG is a forum between the AMC countries and donor countries for the procurement and distribution of vaccines for the AMC countries. Indonesia's participation in the COVAX Facility is crucial as it is supporting the fulfillment of Indonesia's target to vaccinate 181.5 million people by March 2022.
In this regard, the Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs reiterated the call for global solidarity to ensure fair and equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine at the Special Meeting for the Ministers of the United Nation Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) themed "Vaccine for All," which was held virtually on April 16, 2021. Minister for Foreign Affairs stated that the global solidarity must be strengthened to support equal access among other to vaccine, through increased production; intensification of technology transfer cooperation, including through open and transparent licensing agreements; and termination of all forms of vaccine politicization.
The month of August is indeed a special month for Indonesia, as we celebrate our Independence Day, ASEAN anniversary and also the anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Sri Lanka which was first established on 6 August 1952. Both countries are acknowledging and respecting sovereignty and national integrity of each other.
At the regional level, Indonesia and Sri Lanka have played important roles and contributed positively toward the maintenance of regional peace and stability. Indonesia, together with Sri Lanka, is very active in promoting the Colombo Plan and the Bali Process activities. In 4 May 2021, Indonesia and Colombo Plan Secretariat have signed “the Arrangement between the Ministry of State Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia and the Colombo Plan Secretariat on South-South and Triangular Cooperation Programmes” which covers very important and relevant training programs in capacity building and knowledge sharing programs.   

In the Bali Process, Indonesia, together with Sri Lanka, is continuing raising awareness within its 45 member countries. Since its inception in 2002, the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime (Bali Process) has effectively raised regional awareness of the consequences of people smuggling, trafficking in persons and related transnational crime. It is a forum for policy dialogue, information sharing and practical cooperation to help the region address these challenges.

Furthermore, despite the Covid-19 Pandemic, the bilateral economic and trading relationship between Indonesia and Sri Lanka is going strong and productive. I believe that the development of the economic and trading relations between Indonesia and Sri Lanka will continue to bring tangible benefits to the people of both countries.

As one of the top 5 host economies for the FDI Inflows, Indonesia’s wave of structural reforms shown a subsequent strong performance in terms of stable growth, enhanced investor confidence and increased FDI inflows.

Within education cooperation, Ministry of Education and Culture of Indonesia offered annually the Darmasiswa Scholarship Program for Sri Lankan Students to study at several Universities in Indonesia in field of Indonesian language, art and culture of Indonesia for one year period. Furthermore, Government of Indonesia offered the Developing Countries Partnership Scholarship for master and bachelor. Additionally, The Embassy of Indonesia in Colombo opened the class for Indonesian language and dances free of charge.

In conclusion,   

I wish all Indonesian fellows having the best moment on this blissful occasion of Independence Day. Allow me also to offer my personal best wishes to the President, the Government, Parliament and the people of Sri Lanka for the continuity of progress and prosperity in the near future; as well as for a far stronger relationship between Indonesia and Sri Lanka in the years to come. Thank you.