On October 17, 2024, a solemn diplomatic reception was held in Kyiv, organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Ukraine on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of the country’s independence. The event was attended by numerous diplomats, government officials and distinguished guests, including Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Yevhen Perebyinis.
In his speech, the Ambassador of Indonesia to Ukraine, Mr. Arief Muhammad Basalamah, thanked the Ukrainian partners for their support and expressed his deep conviction in the importance of further development of bilateral relations between the two countries.
“We deeply value our friendship with Ukraine, which has been developing for over three decades. The importance of our diplomatic ties is emphasized by the growth of bilateral trade, which reached 443.2 million US dollars in the first eight months of 2024,” the ambassador said.
He also emphasized the symbolic significance of celebrating Indonesia’s Independence Day in Kyiv, which underscores our common commitment to freedom and peace. According to the Ambassador, the Republic of Indonesia, which unites more than 17 thousand islands, is an example of unity in diversity, which resonates with Ukrainian values.
The Ambassador paid special attention to the achievements of Indonesia under President Joko Widodo, emphasizing infrastructure reforms and economic achievements of the country.
“President Widodo has begun the transformation of Indonesia, in particular through large-scale infrastructure projects, including the construction of new roads, bridges, and airports. These efforts ensure the long-term development of our economy and facilitate its integration into global markets,” he emphasized.
Mr. Basalama also focused on the country’s digital transformation strategy: According to him, Indonesia’s digital economy is developing rapidly, opening up new opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. The country is committed to building a knowledge economy that will allow our nation to remain competitive in the global world.
The ambassador also touched upon the issue of the new capital of Indonesia – Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), which is being built in the province of East Kalimantan. The IKN project is a response to the challenges of the future. The new capital symbolizes the Indonesian people’s desire for sustainable development and decentralization, and will become a model of a “green city” based on the principles of sustainable development.
In addition to economic and infrastructure projects, the ambassador noted cultural and educational initiatives that deepen ties between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of cooperation in education and culture.
“Our exhibition “Indonesia through the Lens” in Lviv and Ukrainian universities, as well as the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between universities, testify to our common goal of strengthening mutual understanding between our peoples,” Arif Muhammad Basalama emphasized.
Indonesia recognized Ukraine’s independence on December 28, 1991, and diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Indonesia were established on June 11, 1992.
Arif Muhammad Basalama, Embassy of Indonesia, INDONESIA, UKRAINE
A solemn ceremony to mark ASEAN Day, which brought together diplomatic missions of Southeast Asian countries, Ukrainian officials and guests, took place in the Indonesian Park at the Hryshko National Botanical Garden in Kyiv.
“ASEAN started as an organization of five countries and gradually expanded its ranks to include Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Today, thanks to our unity, we continue to promote peace and stability in the region. The value of good relations with neighbors has been known since ancient times… Although ASEAN has not yet reached the level of cohesion as the European Union, we believe that our association is the best form of unification to address regional challenges,” said Nguyen Hong Thac, Ambassador of Vietnam to Ukraine.
In his turn, Ambassador of Indonesia to Ukraine Arif Muhammad Basalama noted that ASEAN has made significant progress in promoting economic growth, cultural exchange and political stability over 57 years. “Our unity allows us to overcome challenges and seize opportunities to improve the lives of our peoples. In the spirit of ‘One Vision, One Identity, One Community’, we look forward to deepening our partnership with Ukraine,” the diplomat added.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was founded on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok by the five founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The main goal of the organization is to promote economic growth, cultural exchange, political stability and regional cooperation.
Today, ASEAN has ten member states, including Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Through cooperation and integration, the organization continues to develop, advocating for peace and stability in the region.
Arif Muhammad Basalama, ASEAN, ASIA, INDONESIA, Nguyen Hong Thac, VIETNAM
