Message from H.E. Harimawan Suyitno Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia
Today is one auspicious day for Indonesian citizens because we commemorate the 69th A n n i ve r s a r y of Independence Day. On 17 August 1945, different ethnic groups decided to declare the formation of a new independent country, named the Republic of Indonesia. Indeed, the people had gone through a hard, long struggle against colonialism. But what was more important was the necessary chemistry of 330 ethnic groups to unite as one people in one independent country. Then we started developing a solid nationality consciousness after two important milestones, namely the 1908 National Awakening and the 1928 Youth Pledge. It was a dream that became a strong drive and culminated in the Independence Declaration. We went the extra miles for international acknowledgement as one independent country, even years afterwards. It was all worth fighting for.
Our predecessors might have never imagined the extent of impact after the Declaration in decades. Independence has opened up opportunities as much as challenges in any aspect of life, particularly nowadays. We are dealing with pressing issues in democracy, law, development and unity where we cannot fail on any.
Every year, we commemorate the anniversary of important milestones in our history as a country and a people: the National Awakening in May, the Independence Day in August, and the Youth Pledge in October. It is a reminder that the spirit of unity should drive us in overcoming our challenges today. Diversity is our national identity and the source of power to unite, enshrined in the national motto “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” or “unity in diversity”. We have been working hard to rise from economic crises and social issues. As stated in the Constitution preamble, Indonesia should also be committed to promoting public welfare, intellectual life and world order. Therefore, we strive to uphold regional and global peace, stability and welfare through ASEAN, East Asia Summit, OIC, G20 and UN mechanisms.
We know that good relation and cooperation can contribute in dealing with current global challenges. Indonesia and Sri Lanka thus lend its support to each other on important initiatives and agenda. We cooperated in the initiation of the Asian-African Conference in 1955 and the founding of Non Aligned Movement in 1961. We have also worked on non-traditional issues such as those related to democracy promotion in the Bali Democracy Forum (BDF), global health promotion initiative in the Foreign Policy and Global Health (FPGH), and anti-terrorism measures in the ASEAN Re gional Forum (ARF). Indeed, our tasks ahead are those in responding to global contemporary prospects than the burden of the past.
I am pleased to mention that the diplomatic relation of Indonesia and Sri Lanka has reached the 62nd anniversary on 6 August 2014. I am certain that we share fervent wishes for both countries to improve the long-established cordial relationship.
Specific cooperation schemes are forged in overcoming such global challenges. In this light, Indonesian and Sri Lankan high officials have maintained communication and met to formulate the best cooperation frameworks.
With the assurance of national and regional security and stability, it is time to reap peace dividend. On trade, for example, it is encouraging to note that our countries maintained good trade contacts over the years. The bilateral trade value in 2013 remained at the level of USD 491.962 million, similar to that in 2012. I am certain that Indonesia and Sri Lanka could explore more cooperation schemes in trade, as agreed during the first meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation in 25-26 January 2012. Our countries have not tapped yet all our potential. Surely we share the hope that our countries can engage in the region as net contributors to the promotion of welfare.
Both Indonesia and Sri Lanka are rich with historical background of civilisations that reflect great wisdom and humanity values, be it related to religion or ethnic group. Our background is indeed priceless legacy from which we can draw the universal values of promoting dialog and peace among ourselves. As there are contemporary issues that may trigger socio-economic unrest and conflict, we always have those values that we can refer for solution. The values are integral part of our identity. And I believe that in this regard we share the mission to strive for development at the same time with maintaining our identity.
Furthermore, better understanding among our peoples can be promoted through direct contacts. We are pleased to learn that there are far more Sri Lankans visiting Indonesia for business, tourism, and conference or short training purposes. There are also more Indonesians visiting Sri Lanka for various purposes like business, tourism, and conference, now that Sri Lanka is emerging as a new hub in the region. There are about 17.000 Indonesians visiting Sri Lanka in 2013. Out of this total number, about 11,000 Indonesians made transit visits, while the rest made short trips and residing temporarily for longer time in Sri Lanka. During these five recent years, the Indonesian Government has been promoting direct contacts through short training programmes in Indonesia related to agriculture, livestock, fisheries, microfinance and industrial technology. In addition to the programs, we also organise a handicraft exhibition and training programme in Sri Lanka in May 2014, supported by handicraft experts from Indonesia. With this pace and amount of direct contacts among visiting people, I am confident that the prospect of bilateral relation between Sri Lanka and Indonesia will be flourishing well in the near future.
I wish all Indonesian fellows the best moment on this blissful occasion of Independence Day. Allow me also to offer my personal best wishes to the President, the Government 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.