Moreover, the Red-and-White Flag was hoisted for the first time at the State Palace ground in Nusantara City, Indonesia’s new capital and the nation’s newest masterpiece that drew the world’s attention.
Countries worldwide conveyed their greetings and expressed their hopes for Indonesia’s success and prosperity. Apart from the leaders, their ambassadors in Indonesia also conveyed the same messages.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, for instance, extended his congratulations to the people of Indonesia for its 79th Independence Day. He expressed hope that Indonesia and the US could expand cooperation in various aspects, such as Indo-Pacific security, clean energy transition, and digital transformation.
Meanwhile, Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov was optimistic that all Indonesians would enjoy happiness and prosperity on its 79th Independence Day and that friendship and mutual understanding between the two nations would be strengthened.
Turkish Ambassador to Indonesia Talip Kucukcan, in his Independence Day greetings, was also convinced that the prospects of Turkey-Indonesia relations will be brighter in the future and bilateral cooperation in various sectors will be stronger.
The world's attention on Indonesia should be a reminder of the importance of diplomacy for maintaining cordial relations with countries and the international community while defending the nation's interests and current global initiatives.
Asian-African solidarity
Indonesia, when it was barely 10 years old, had ignited the Asian-African solidarity through the Bandung Conference – known in Indonesia as the Asian-African Conference – in April 1955.
The conference became the nucleus for the birth of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) as an alternative for newly independent developing countries to escape the sphere of influence of global superpowers at that time.
It also gave legitimacy to Indonesia's continuing role as the leader and pioneer in realizing common prosperity for the Asian and African people. Hence, Indonesia will host the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) in Bali next September.
Director of Information and Public Diplomacy of the Foreign Ministry Siti Nugraha Maulidiah stated that the conference will be Indonesia’s platform to assist African countries in advancing their development, economy, and efforts to realize the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the 2063 African Development Goals.
Apart from targeting the presence of delegates from 28 major countries in Africa that represent more than half of the continent’s population, Indonesia also expects the 2nd IAF to record US$3.5 billion transaction value between Indonesian and African businesses.
African countries enthusiastically welcome the Indonesian initiative through the 2nd IAF, as shown by the Mozambican Ambassador, Belmiro Jose Malate.
He expressed hope that the international forum can help forge mechanisms to strengthen Indonesia-African cooperation.
He is convinced that Mozambique can reach a consensus with Indonesia in seeking ways to implement and fund programs sought by the two countries.
The ambassador is also confident that through the 2nd IAF, Mozambique's private sector can expand its business to Indonesia, which will help the nation's economy grow.
“Because the responsibility to develop the country is not solely borne by the government but also by all the people,” he affirmed.
Palestinian solidarity
Moreover, Indonesia’s support for the Palestinian cause is undying, and the nation is persevering in advocating for the Palestinian people on the world stage.
The Indonesian nation’s determination to help free Palestine from Israel’s oppression is reflected through its diplomacy. Indonesia’s Constitution Preamble explicitly mentions that “all colonialism must be abolished in this world as it is not in conformity with humanity and justice.”
Hence, Palestinian solidarity is one of the messages that Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has relentlessly conveyed to the global community at every opportunity, such as during the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministerial Meeting in Laos last July.
During the main and retreat sessions, as well as in meetings with ASEAN’s dialogue partners, Marsudi ceaselessly reminded her counterpart about the importance of supporting the Palestinian people by calling for an immediate ceasefire and prompt recognition of the country.
Deputy Foreign Minister Pahala Mansury also affirmed Indonesia’s determination to amplify the Palestinian cause wherever possible, including during the upcoming 2nd IAF in September.
Indonesia’s determination to support Palestine is enough to convince Palestine Ambassador Zuhair Al-Shun that Indonesia, despite the upcoming government change, will always be his nation’s principal advocate for their independence struggle.
For the same reason, he said, the Palestinian people are in solidarity and as happy as the Indonesian people and leaders who celebrated its 79th independence anniversary on August 17.
“Indonesia’s 79th Independence anniversary is not only a great day for Indonesians but also a great day for us, the Palestinians,” Al-Shun affirmed.
Indonesia’s initiatives and commitment on the global scale resulted in more countries counting on it to help them fulfil their national goals. They are also more convinced that collaborating with Indonesia will benefit them.
Hence, Indonesia should persevere in maintaining its national interests and missions at the global level while fulfilling its obligation to be a prosperous and safe country.
It has become more important since Indonesia will brave new challenges on a global scale, such as geopolitical instability, food and energy crises, and economic dynamics that will affect people’s lives domestically.
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Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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