Message of H.E. Dewi Gustina Tobing Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia

Greetings to my fellow Indonesians, Greetings to dear friends Sri Lankans.

Today August 17, 2022, is a special day for Indonesian citizens worldwide to celebrate the 77th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence Day. On the same day in 1945, the first President of Indonesia, Ir. Soekarno and Vice President, Mohammad Hatta, declared the proclamation of Independence of Indonesia, and more than 300 ethnic groups participated in the formation of a newly independent country name 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 our Independence on August 17, 1945. Our motto, "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika," the Unity in Diversity, is still and always relevant for the post-modern era, especially to maintain our Independence and build Indonesia as one of the strong countries in the world.

Known as the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia is also acknowledged as the world's third-largest democracy with its exceptionally diverse ethnic, linguistic, cultural and religious backgrounds living side-by-side in harmony.

As stated in the preamble of Indonesia's Constitution, Indonesia is committed to actively contributing to world peace and security. Accordingly, Indonesia actively participates in international and regional forums, including United Nations, ASEAN, UNRWA, OIC, and IORA, among many other organizations.

Indonesia also committed to actively contributing to world peace and security. As active participants in the regional and international forums, Indonesia and Sri Lanka share strong values and respect democracy. The two nations' important roles have also been well-known in the Asia-Africa Conference and as the initiators of the Non-Aligned Movement.

For the 70th anniversary diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Sri Lanka this year, the commemoration reflects the long-standing, strong bond relations between the two countries, proven throughout their long history since many centuries ago and became stronger with the establishment of diplomatic relations on the 6th of August 1952.

During the challenging time due to the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, Indonesia was the first country to send humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka in April 2022 of essential medicines, health supplements and medical devices to help the people of Sri Lanka.

In economic sector, Indonesia and Sri Lanka are entering a new stage to discuss the start negotiation on Preferential Trade Agreement which is important as there are ample rooms for both countries to uplift economic and trade volume. Through the Agreement, Sri Lanka will be more competitive in supplying Indonesian market while the semi-finished products as materials from Indonesia to Sri Lanka will strengthen the industry of Sri Lanka. The complementary relations between the two countries will even enable them together to supply the world.

This is in line with the spirit carried by Indonesian G20 Presidency from December 1, 2021, until November 30, 2022. With the theme "Recover Together, Recover Stronger", Indonesia called on all countries to adjust to the COVID-19 pandemic that required joint and inclusive efforts for recovery. The forum of 20 of the world's major economies is focusing on policy coordination in economics and development.

On various occasions, President Joko Widodo emphasized inclusiveness as the priority of Indonesia's leadership in the G20, to "leave no one behind." Not only for the G20 members, but Indonesia's G20 presidency is beneficial for the developing countries, Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and vulnerable groups.

In keeping with the spirit of 'Recover Together, Recover Stronger' in Indonesia Presidency of G20, Indonesia stands ready to uplift the bilateral economic and trading relationship with Sri Lanka in supporting Sri Lanka in recovering its economy.

At the G7 Summit on the topic of food security and gender equality, which took place in Elmau, Germany, on June 27, 2022, President Joko Widodo called on the G7 and G20 countries to jointly address the food crisis that currently threatens people in developing countries to fall into extreme poverty and hunger. President Jokowi emphasized the importance of G7 countries' support for the reintegration of Ukraine's wheat exports and Russia's exports of food and fertilizer commodities in global supply chains.

More than that, peace and humanity have always been a priority for Indonesia's foreign policy. The Indonesian constitution mandates that Indonesia always try to contribute to creating world peace. In pursuant to that commitment, after attending the G-7 meeting, President Joko Widodo held an official meeting with the President of Ukraine, Zelensky, on June 29, 2022 at the Mariinsky Palace, Kyiv, and continued to have a meeting with the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, at the Kremlin Palace on June 30, 2022. Meetings with the President of Ukraine and the President of Russia took place within the framework of a dialogue for peace.

President Joko Widodo conveyed that it is essential to continue promoting a peaceful settlement and that spaces for dialogue can continue to be opened. President Joko Widodo has expressed his readiness to serve as a bridge of communication between the two leaders. President Joko Widodo also discussed the disruption of food and fertilizer supply chain, which could impact hundreds of millions of people worldwide, especially in developing countries.

For that, Indonesia stands ready to bring peace and prosperity in accordance with its Constitution, which also benefits many countries, including Sri Lanka.

Let us use this momentum to deepen our cooperation for the benefit of our two peoples, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

Dewi Gustina Tobing
Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Sri Lanka and the Maldives