The increasingly stronger relations will surely open up various opportunities and chances that must be utilized for the common interest of the two countries, including their communities.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney held a diplomatic reception aboard the Indonesian warship KRI Bima Suci berthing at the HMAS Kuttabul naval base in Sydney, Australia, to celebrate the 77th anniversary of Indonesian independence.

Over 100 representatives from the local government, members of parliament, consulate corps of friendly countries, businessmen think tanks, local community, and Indonesian diaspora attended the event.

Several honorary guests including Operation Assistant to the Indonesian Military (TNI) Major General Agus Suhardi, Australian Naval Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, member of the Advisory Board of Multiculture New South Wales (NSW) Margaret Piper, and member of the NSW parliament Greg Piper were also present at the event.

"The increasingly stronger relations will surely open up various opportunities and chances that must be utilized for the common interest of the two countries, including their communities," Indonesian Consul General in Sydney, Vedi Kurnia Buana, noted in a written statement received on Friday.

In his address, Buana stressed that the commemoration of Indonesian independence served as a moment to bolster commitment to address various challenges in future.

He drew attention to the strong bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia and expressed optimism that the relations would serve as an important asset that can be realized through various areas of cooperation.

"May God bless Indonesia. May God bless Australia," he remarked.

NSW Multiculture Minister Margaret Piper highlighted Indonesia's special position for Australia, starting from the arrival of the Makassar sailor, who interacted with the indigenous Aboriginal population of three centuries back to various areas of cooperation between both nations and communities today.

Member of the NSW parliament from the independent group Greg Piper said Indonesia's importance for Australia transcended being much more than a tourist destination.

"Indonesia is a partner in the fields of defense, trade, and several global issues, including climate change," he stated.

The diplomatic reception featured various Indonesian traditional dance forms, including Betawi, Perang, Merak, Saman, Rampak Gendang, and Rama Sinta, presented by the KRI Bima Suci cadets.

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Translator: Asri Mayang Sari, Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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