Indonesia highlights dynamics of bilateral ties with Korea on 77th independence day

Indonesian ambassador to Korea Gandi Sulistiyanto proposes a toast at an event to mark his country’s 77th Independence Day at Sebitseom, Seoul, Wednesday. (Indonesian Embassy in Seoul).

Indonesia embassy highlighted dynamics of bilateral ties with Korea celebrating its 77th independence day in Seoul on Sept. 28.

Commemorating the independence day under the theme of ‘Recover Faster, Rise Stronger,’ the embassy invited Korean government officials, parliament members, diplomatic corps, businessmen, academics, and friends of Indonesia numbering more than 300 guests at the Floating Island Convention Center in Seoul.

Dressed in traditional Javanese Jawi Jangkep, Indonesian ambassador to South Korea Gandi Sulistiyanto briefed Indonesia's progress after 77 years of independence and dynamics of Indonesia-Korea bilateral cooperation in various sectors.

He said that Indonesia's potential is in its abundant natural wealth, political, economic stability and large population mostly of productive age.

Indonesian ambassador to Korea Gandi Sulistiyanto and Madam Susi Ardhani Sulistiyanto poses with Dita Karang, Indonesian member of K-Pop All Ladies Band "Secret Number" and assistant professor Lee Jung Pyo at an event to mark his country’s 77th Independence Day at Sebitseom, Seoul, Wednesday. (Sanjay Kumar/The Korea Herald)

According to Sulistiyanto Indonesia gained international trust by becoming the Chair of G20, set to become the Chair of ASEAN, and the Coordinator of MIKTA in 2023 at the age of 77 years of independence. Sulistiyanto applauded Korea’s support to Indonesia in various fields marked by regular high-level visits.

MIKTA is an informal middle power partnership between Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey, and Australia launched in 2013 that shares the core values of democracy and a free-market economy.

Meanwhile, Korean vice minister of land, infrastructure, and transportation Lee Won-jae highlighted Indonesia as Korea’s major investment destination through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project to develop Batam International Airport and investment projects such as the construction of a petrochemical complex by Lotte in Cilegon.

The celebration also showcased the diversity of Indonesian culture through art performances in the form of traditional dances and Bali nuances to give a glimpse of Indonesia’s presidency at the G20 summit to be held in Bali on Nov. 15-16.

By Sanjay Kumar(sanjaykumar@heraldcorp.com)