ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the United States have reached 75 years of age. Many things have been achieved in the partnership between the two countries.
“Indonesia and the US are strategic partners in advancing democracy, creating peace and encouraging prosperity,” said Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono when speaking at a discussion forum held to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the United States in Jakarta, 13 December 2024.
Minister Sugiono said that this statement was also discussed in his meeting with US Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antony Blinken on the sidelines of President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Washington DC on November 12 2024.
“Both countries have just finished elections. “This shows the commitment of both countries to democracy,” he said.
Furthermore, Sugiono also said that during the visit, the US Government had confirmed its support for the Asta Cita program and priorities of President Prabowo’s government.
“Indonesia is ready to strengthen good cooperation between the two countries, especially for Asta Cita programs, including in the fields of investment, food and energy security, health and education transformation,” he added.
Sugiono emphasized that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries which was launched last year is proof of the closeness of the two countries.
Indonesia-US diplomatic relations began on December 30 1949, marked by the handover of Letters of Credence from the first US Ambassador to Indonesia, H. Merle Cochran, to President Soekarno in Jakarta.
In this discussion, US Ambassador Kamala Lakhdhir was also present. In his remarks, he said that for 75 years, Indonesia and the United States have been friends and partners, collaborating on various issues important to the citizens of both countries.
“Our partnership is built on the same values, priorities for achieving prosperity, development and our society,” said Kamala.
The discussion with the theme “75 Years of Indonesia and the US Diplomatic Relations and Beyond: Seizing Opportunities, Overcoming Challenges, and Moving Forward” was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and presented 3 speakers, namely Ambassador Soemadi Brotodiningrat, David Merrill (President of the US-Indonesia Society (USINDO) and Prof. Siswanto, historian from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). This discussion was attended by representatives and officials from both countries, representatives from State-Owned Enterprises, business associations, think-tanks and also universities.
75 Years Full of Meaning
The 75th anniversary of Indonesia-US diplomatic relations in 2024 was also marked by a bilateral meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and President Joseph Biden in Washington, D.C., on November 12 2024. Apart from discussions and stamp launches, various activities have been held in parallel in Indonesia and America. The union includes the Diplomats Go To Campus program, Batik Design Competition, Orchestra Gala at Aula Simfonia, and Block Party ”Celebration of 75 Years: USA in Jakarta.
Meanwhile in the US, various arts and culture activities have also been held to promote bilateral economic cooperation at all Indonesian Representatives, including the Indonesian Embassy in Washington DC, the Indonesian Consulate General in the cities of San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Houston and Chicago. One of the most prominent agendas is the biggest cultural performance entitled ‘Wow Indonesia! Festival 2024’ in Washington DC. (AT Network)
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