On this special occasion of the 79th anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, I would like to extend my heartfelt greetings and warm wishes to the government and the people of the Kingdom of Thailand for the congratulatory messages extended to me, the Indonesian diaspora in Thailand and to my beloved country. This day holds great significance for all Indonesians, marking our journey towards freedom, unity and progress as a nation. My warmest greeting also goes to my fellow Indonesian community, Indonesian diaspora and friends of Indonesia in Thailand who are also celebrating our Independence Day.
At this special juncture, I wish His Majesty Raja Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, members of the Royal Family, the Royal Thai Government and the people of the Kingdom of Thailand good health, prosperity and long life.
The theme of Indonesia Independence Day this year is “Nusantara Baru, Indonesia Maju” / ”New Nusantara, Advance Indonesia". This implies the three big transitions in Indonesia this year, namely: the new capital city of Nusantara, our newly elected president and for the advancement of Indonesia, “the Golden Indonesia 2045”, which is to be a sovereign, advanced, fair and prosperous nation by our centennial in 2045.
In this regard, to achieve the Golden Indonesia Vision in 2024, the Indonesian Government has set four main pillars to focus on, specifically; i) developing human development and mastery of science and technology; ii) sustainable economic development; iii) equitable development; and iv) strengthening national resilience and good governance.
In line with this vision, Indonesia consistently plays its role in international relations, to contribute to global justice, peace and stability, to overcome the climate change issue and, of course, to achieve world prosperity and sustainability. As water is one of the main critical aspects of achieving sustainability, on this occasion I would like to highlight Indonesia’s role in supporting the sustainability of water resources by working together with the World Water Council (WWC) to host the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia on 18-25 May 2024.
The sustainability of water resources has become a pressing issue for the world and Indonesia. Global water needs have increased sharply, in line with population and industrial growth. Meanwhile, the availability of quality and sustainable water is increasingly difficult due to environmental degradation and climate change.
Therefore, Indonesia has worked together with all other nations to promote efficient and integrated management of water resources so that water can be managed and used for common prosperity. Many substantial issues were discussed during the 10th World Water Forum to find solutions, innovations and joint actions for implementation.
Amid current population growth and climate change, Indonesia has emphasized several important agendas that need to be prioritized, such as water conservation efforts, availability of clean water and sanitation, food and energy security as well as mitigation of natural disasters such as floods and droughts.
Indonesia urged these agendas to be addressed by the forum as joint efforts, through community participation and support from various stakeholders, as well as dialogue and partnerships between countries, including Indonesia and Thailand, in the spirit of togetherness for the welfare of the global community.
However, Indonesia is fully aware that these agendas require a lot of innovations, especially innovative financing, which involves the government and private sector; technological innovation to manage the need for food and energy consumption as well as the commitment of all parties to contribute and work together.
Then bilaterally, the relationship between Indonesia and Thailand is built based on mutual respect, shared values and a commitment to fostering peace and prosperity in our region. Indonesia and Thailand are also destined to be close neighbours, reliable friends and key economic drivers of ASEAN.
Our current relationship grows stronger in every field of cooperation. Together, we have achieved significant milestones in various fields, from trade and investment to cultural exchange and people-to-people ties. Thanks to the active and constructive involvement of various stakeholders in both countries, such as government institutions, business communities, academicians and students, parliamentarians, media and the people.
On 7 March 1950, Indonesia and Thailand established formal diplomatic relations. Since then, the two countries have enjoyed close cooperation through exchanges of high-level visits and progress in various areas such as trade and investment, creative economy, security and defence, fisheries, education, culture, energy and technical cooperation. The partnership between the two countries has continued for the past 74 years.
Next year, 2025 will mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Thailand. This joyous moment will undoubtedly provide a strong and solid foundation to further strengthen and deepen our friendship and engagement. The relationship between the two countries has also been demonstrated by good cooperation and mutual solidarity in regional and international fora.
Indonesia and Thailand, along with other ASEAN member states, have been working together to ensure the development of the ASEAN Community towards the goals of common stability, common progress and common prosperity among our peoples in the region.
I am greatly honoured to be part of these endeavours to further strengthen the mutually beneficial relations between Indonesia and Thailand that will enable us to prosper in the future. In this regard, I wish to amplify the strong message from President Joko Widodo for the enhancement of our bilateral cooperation and engagement in the economic sector, particularly in trade and investment; maintaining regional peace and stability; and ensuring mutual support in various regional and global fora.
Indonesia and Thailand, as both the founding members of ASEAN and APEC and the largest and second-largest economy in the Southeast Asian region, will continue to propel the growth of the region in the coming years. With the re-establishment of connectivity in the region, bilateral trade and investment between the two countries are rebounding. Indonesia and Thailand can synergize as both strive to capture the EV market, digital economy and green sustainable energy future.
In trade relations, the total value of bilateral trade between Thailand and Indonesia in 2023 is USD 18,37 billion. Thailand is Indonesia’s 8th largest trading partner globally while for Thailand, Indonesia is its 9th largest trading partner.
In socio-cultural relations, we have seen tremendous progress, as shown by the growing number of student exchanges and mobilities, scholarships, lecture exchanges, joint research between universities, joint cultural performances and exhibitions between two countries.
In light of this, the Indonesian Embassy tirelessly continues its effort in bolstering people-to-people contact by organizing various events, among others, Indonesian Day and various Indonesian festivals, in cooperation with Thai-related stakeholders, as I believe that through these events, we can play an important role in enhancing people-to-people contact to develop even stronger cordial relations and friendships between the peoples of Indonesia and Thailand.
In the spirit of maximizing the potential and opportunities we have, I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok, in cooperation with related ministries and institutions in Thailand, will host a series of promotional activities, namely, trade, tourism, investment and cultural forums, in September-October 2024.
Starting with the “Indonesia Fair”, which will be held at Central World Mall on 6-8 September 2024. This is dedicated to showcasing Indonesian products such as Indonesian textiles, including Batik and Tenun (hand-woven colourful threads), handicrafts, souvenirs and Indonesian food, as well as Indonesian tourism packages for Thai people to explore the wonderful tourism destinations and attractions of Indonesia.
For those who love art and painting, you may visit the Indonesia-Thailand Painting Exhibition: Blending Souls that will be held at the National Gallery of Thailand on 4-30 October 2024. Both of these programs are open to the public.
Meanwhile, there will also be programs for invited guests only, such as the Indonesia-Thailand Business Forum that will be conducted at the Siam Kempinski Hotel on 13 September 2024, for the business community or investors in Thailand to explore various potential investment opportunities in Indonesia, especially on manufacturing supply chain industries of Indonesia.
Moreover, to promote arts and culture, the Indonesian Embassy will also conduct an Indonesian Cultural Night on 15 September 2024, at the PiC Ganesha Theater, Siam Square One. This program will showcase the diversity and uniqueness of Indonesian art and culture to the diplomatic corps, Thai government officials, cultural lovers the art communities, academics and journalists in Thailand.
I hope that this series of programs can serve its purpose to connect and further strengthen our bilateral relations with Thailand, promoting deeper understanding and exploring new avenues of cooperation for the benefit of both nations.
On this joyous occasion, let us celebrate Indonesia's independence with pride and optimism for a future of continued friendship, cooperation and shared prosperity between Indonesia and Thailand.
