AMBASSADOR’S MESSAGE
Seventy four years ago today, Indonesia’s Founding Fathers, Soekarno and Hatta proclaimed Indonesia’s Independence on Aug. 17, 1945 and threw off the shackles of colonialism from the country. As we celebrate our Independence today, we also acknowledge the courage of our forefathers who fought for our freedom and independence, and at the same time, we consider of Indonesia’s efforts in building a country that brings betterment to its people. Maintaining political and economic stability is the foothold in building long-term peace and stability not only in Indonesia but in the entire region as well. It will be an achievement towards great Indonesia to be that one actor in the global scene that would play an important role in creating a secure environment and promote peace and stability across the globe, as stated in Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution: the Pancasila.
Today, I am honored to convey my sincere felicitations to my fellow Indonesians on the occasion of the 74th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. This year’s theme: “SDM
Menuju Indonesia Unggul” (towards a greater Indonesia) is guided and inspired by the success in economic development that brings Indonesia on the cusp of being one of the global leading economies in the world.
Indonesia maintained strong economic growth
in 2017 and 2018 with 5.07 percent and 5.17 percent respectively. But more reforms will be needed if Indonesia is to boost its economy and investment. Indonesia’s aspiration of becoming one of the Global Top 10 Economies by 2030 is empowered by the national export industry strategy towards becoming a net export country (GDP). As part of economic diplomacy, the Indonesian government focuses on advancing economic cooperation with new markets; strengthening infrastructure for bilateral economic cooperation, to enhance the competitiveness of Indonesian products; also designed to support trade expansion of Indonesia’s strategic industry products and promote various Indonesian investments and infrastructure projects abroad such as railway carriages and infrastructure development works. Promotion and trade as a single event and part of economic diplomacy such as Trade Expo Indonesia 2018 yielded a total transaction of US$ 8.49 billion or a 5.07 percent increase compared to the previous year. In the hope of replicating the effect of tourism in Bali’s economy, President Jokowi launched “10 New Bali” Project, that focuses on increasing tourist arrivals that would shape the future of tourism in Indonesia. In order to capitalize on the popularity of Bali and replicate its economic benefits nationwide, Indonesia instituted 10 tourist hubs, taking into consideration tourism as the catapult for economic boost. Aiming to achieve 20 million foreign arrivals by 2020, each area was carefully chosen because of its huge potential and distinct characteristic to become a remarkable tourist destination as the “next place to be.” Presently, the government is prioritizing three locations, namely: 1) Mandalika; 2) Borobudur Temple; and 3) Lake Toba. At this stage, Indonesian government is not only actively encouraging the development of the 10 tourist destinations but also opens its investment opportunities, including the development of related industries such as hotels, transportation, recreation, and more.
Ten years ago, the term “Pacific Era” was already used, as it had already been accepted, that the countries of the Pacific Ocean area constituted the new center of gravity of global politics. This is a perspective that I had an opportunity to discuss during the 60th Anniversary of Indonesia and the Philippines diplomatic relations in 2009. I framed the Pacific Era within the concept of global development, as the countries of the region would grow together as a global player. Indeed, it was very clear that Indonesia and the Philippines, as two countries in the Asia Pacific Region, were already playing an important role.
As two neighboring, archipelagic countries, Indonesia and the Philippines have enjoyed a rich and strong heritage, which was consummated since the start of the formal diplomatic relations which dated back on Nov. 24, 1949. This year, as Indonesia and the Philippines celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations, several activities have been done since the start of 2019 through the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Manila and the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Jakarta. Being the two biggest archipelagic states in the world, one of the most important issues has been in the field of maritime cooperation, in which both countries came into agreement last June 2019 to implement the landmark maritime boundary deal signed in 2016 that draws the boundary between the two countries’ overlapping exclusive economic zones.
Because of this, future partnerships are underway to strengthen maritime cooperation, such that last June, the Philippine Coast Guard and (BAKAMLA)/ Maritime Security Agency of Indonesia forged a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of maritime security which aims to provide the structure of cooperation in the basis of mutual interests and benefits.
Having the same characteristics and both are potentially armed with great resources especially in the maritime industry, Indonesian and the Philippines are connected through the unity of the sea. One of the priorities for progress is to enhance connectivity, be it air or by sea. This area is still being developed. Focus is put on connecting major cities in the Visayas and Mindanao with cities in the Eastern part of Indonesia, in the hopes of strengthening bilateral trade. Current efforts under the Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and ASEAN Connectivity Master Plan, are also set out to complement bilateral efforts.
I would like to take this opportunity to invite Filipino businessmen to the biggest and most awaited business-to-business trade event in the country: Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2019, which will be held from Oct. 16 to 20 in Tanggerang, Indonesia. TEI is designed to boost export product growth and export market expansion.
On this auspicious day of the Indonesian Independence, allow me to convey, on behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Indonesia, especially on behalf of the Indonesian Community in the Philippines, my most cordial greetings and warm felicitations to the President of the Republic of the Philippines, H. E. Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the people of the Philippines for the continuity of our partnership, friendship and brotherhood as two neighboring counties and as ASEAN Community, followed by our indeed endeavor to achieve the common prosperity.