"The historical similarities between the two countries provide a solid base for establishing cooperative relations," Setiawan stated in Bandung on Monday.
The deputy governor's remarks came during a visit by Polish Ambassador to Indonesia Barbara Szymanowska, who was accompanied by representatives of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) and executives from Poland’s railway and transportation companies.
The meeting took place at Gedung Sate, the official seat of the West Java provincial government.
According to Setiawan, the 70-year diplomatic relationship between Indonesia and Poland demonstrates mutual support across various sectors, including economy, business, culture, education, and knowledge transfer.
He also noted other similarities that reflect the close ties between the two countries, such as their red and white national flags, the resemblance between their national symbols—the Garuda in Indonesia and the eagle in Poland—and their shared history of revolution and struggle for independence.
The deputy governor said the ambassador’s visit, alongside PAIH and Polish business leaders, was a timely opportunity to explore broader cooperation, especially in the railway transportation sector.
Following the visit, the West Java provincial government plans to evaluate potential areas for collaboration, particularly in public transport development, including railway systems.
Indonesia has launched its first modern public railway, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train, known as Whoosh.
Erwan expressed hope that the PAIH delegation’s visit would inspire new ideas to help address transportation challenges, particularly traffic congestion.
"The ideas presented by PAIH are highly relevant to West Java’s development agenda, which is focused on modernizing the railway sector," he added.
Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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