ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – US and Indonesian government officials launched a joint celebration of 75 years of US-Indonesia diplomatic relations, by releasing commemorative branding and the theme “Diversity, Democracy, Prosperity” at a public event at the cultural center of the US Embassy, in Jakarta, on March 6, 2024.
Following the upgrade of US-Indonesia bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in November 2023, and the 2024-2028 Activity Plan, the 75th Anniversary of US-Indonesia relations will feature public events, exchange programs, and special competitions throughout 2024 , which emphasizes shared values and goals, and highlights cooperation covering security, the economy, education, climate and people-to-people relations.
“As we celebrate our deep friendship, close partnership and 75 years of diplomatic relations, we are committed to working together to overcome the emerging challenges of the 21st century and realize a better future for our citizens,” said Chargé d’Affaires Ad US Embassy Interim, Michael F. Kleine.
Together with KUAI Kleine, the Director General for America and Europe at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Umar Hadi, when opening the activity, said that by commemorating the values of Diversity, Democracy and Prosperity through this 75th anniversary, the United States and Indonesia reaffirmed their ongoing partnership and dedication. both countries to encourage a world where diversity is celebrated, democracy is upheld, and prosperity is shared by all.
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Melissa A. Brown, who heads the Office of Southeast Asian Maritime Affairs and the Office of Southeast Asian Land Affairs in Washington, DC, joined the launch event during her visit to Jakarta, and participated in a panel discussion with the Director General of the Strategy Agency Foreign Policy of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Yayan GH Mulyana.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Brown said, “We continue to advance partnerships rooted in shared values, supporting broad stability and prosperity. “There are many things that can be achieved together as two diverse democracies, creating a prosperous future for future generations of Indonesian and American people.”
Dr. Yayan Mulyana explained, “The US and Indonesia now have a strategic and comprehensive partnership. This reflects the depth of commitment and depth of investment of mutual respect and cooperation not only for the two countries but also beyond the two countries to the region including Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific.”
Activities commemorating the 75th anniversary of US-Indonesia
Relations in 2024 promote a partnership rooted in shared values, including diversity and democracy, in support of broad stability and prosperity: The United States and Indonesia embrace diversity as a source of strength, as reflected in their respective nation’s mottos: “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” and “E Pluribus Unum” – different remains one.
As the world’s second and third largest democracies, shared interests include inclusivity, safeguarding human rights, upholding press freedom and ensuring religious freedom. Close partnerships on regional and global issues, from encouraging respect for international boundaries to expanding trade and investment, increase prosperity for the people of America and Indonesia, as well as the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Activities for the 75th Anniversary of US-Indonesia
Relations in 2024 Throughout this anniversary year, the United States and Indonesia will demonstrate a broad partnership through a series of public initiatives, including:
Photo contest
Throughout September, US and Indonesian diplomatic missions collected photos from Indonesian and US citizens that highlighted exchanges between the communities or broader relations. Photos will be collected through September online via Instagram with the hashtag #IndonesiaUSA75, and the winning photos will be included in a virtual exhibition and commemorative book.
Commemorative Stamp
The Indonesian government will issue special edition stamps commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Young Ambassador
The US Department of State will sponsor 10 young Indonesians as ambassadors to visit the United States as part of an exchange program to learn about American government, society and culture through visits to urban and rural areas in the US. This program will foster a deeper understanding of US Foreign Policy in the Indo-Pacific region among the younger generation of Indonesia. They will explore relations between the United States and Indonesia and visit with representatives from government, academia, religious and ethnic groups, community organizations, and young Americans.
Commemorative Batik
The Indonesian government will sponsor a batik design competition commemorating the 75th anniversary of US-Indonesia relations, with the potential for winning designs to be displayed at art events or fashion shows in both countries. US-Indonesia series of events “Diplomats Go to Campus”: The event on March 6 kicks off a series of public events in 2024, where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives of the US Embassy will work together to celebrate throughout Indonesia with the planned “Diplomats Go to Campus” program will be held in cities including Surabaya, Medan, Bandung, Makassar, and many more.
Seminar on Indonesia-US bilateral relations: Past, Present and Future. (AT Network)
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