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Message from H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Yusuf,
the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Thailand
on the occasion of the 62nd Anniversary of Indonesia Independence Day
Today, on 17 August 2007, I join my fellow citizens in Indonesia and all over the world to celebrate the 62nd Anniversary of Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia. On this auspicious occasion, on behalf of the Government and people of Indonesia, I would like to extend our warmest greetings and best wishes to Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit; members of the Royal Family; the Royal Thai Government; and the people of the Kingdom of Thailand. As Thai people will celebrate the 80th birthday of His Majesty the King this year, I also would like to convey our sincere felicitation and solemn prayer for the good health of His Majesty the King and the well-being of Thai people. My warm wishes also go to my fellow countrymen who are living in Thailand.
Indonesia and the Kingdom of Thailand have enjoyed good relationship since the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 1950. In fact, the cordial relationship between the two countries and their people has been cemented long before 1950 especially since the visit of His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) to Indonesia in 1871, 1896 and 1901; followed by the visit of his son, His Majesty King Prachadhipok (King Rama VII) in 1929. The exchange of visits between the two countries’ leaders was continued after the establishment of diplomatic ties that contributed to the strong bonds and partnership between the two countries. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX) and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit visited Indonesia in 1960, while almost all Indonesian leaders have visited Thailand and the last one was the visit of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2005.
For the last 57 years, bilateral relations between Indonesia and Thailand have expanded and progressed constructively almost in all sectors that have brought benefits to the peoples of both countries. I strongly believe therefore, the relations will be more solidified and strengthened in the years to come.
On economy sector, trade relations between the two countries for the last five years steadily increased by approximately 16.7% per anum.It is encouraging to note that the increase is the highest among Indonesia’s trading partners in the Southeast Asia region. In order to provide framework for the expansion of bilateral trade relations, Indonesia and Thailand, as stated in the Sixth Joint Commission Meeting held in Bangkok on 11 June 2007, have agreed to sign a Bilateral Trade Agreement and to establish a Joint Trade Committee soon.
Furthermore, in terms of investment, in 2006 Thailand was the 15th largest investor in Indonesia with a total investment of US$ 125 million mainly in non-metal mineral industries, fisheries, and food industries, whereas Indonesia’s investment in Thailand was still moderate especially in the fields of processed agricultural products, textiles, and chemicals.
On other sectors such as wildlife conservation, both countries are committed to working together in combating and preventing illegal trading of wildlife. The returning of 48 smuggled Orangutans to Indonesia by the Government of Thailand in 2006 was a strong sign of the two countries’ commitment to protect wildlife.
Additionally, people to people’s contact between the two countries is continued to flourish particularly with the participation of Indonesia in Royal Flora Ratchapruek 2006 and Thailand’s participation in the Collaborative Performance of “Imaging Buddha” at the Borobudur Temple, Central Java, on 1-2 June 2007 which was held to commemorate Visakha Bucha Day and to reflect the Trail of Civilization between the two countries’ people especially during the Buddhist Kingdom of Sriwijaya in Sumatra, Indonesia.
In the regional and multilateral fora, both countries are member of the United Nations (UN), ASEAN, APEC, Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) and G-77. It is heartening to note that the two countries’ positions in those organizations are mutually supportive. Especially in ASEAN, both countries strongly support the proposal to have an ASEAN Charter as the regional organization is heading toward a community (ASEAN Community) that requires a firm foundation, a legal personality and institutional framework so that making ASEAN to be more effective, efficient, and solid to meet all demands in the challenging world. The ASEAN Charter is expected to be signed during the ASEAN Summit Meeting in November 2007 in Singapore.
For Indonesians, independence means to reinforce the founding fathers’ vision to materialize justice and welfare to all citizens of Indonesia. To achieve that vision, the Government of Indonesia has done its utmost to promote supremacy of law and improve good governance, to strengthen democratic institutions, to empower civil society, and to create friendly business environment. As a result, it is heartening to see nowadays in Indonesia that democracy and economy are moving forward in tandem. In terms of democracy, people of Indonesia now are free to elect their own leaders: president-vice president, members of parliament and governors in the fair and transparent general election. In addition, freedom of the press is widely guaranteed and the government has shown its commitment to protect human rights. With these entire new political situation, Indonesia, as the world’s largest Moslem nation, has shown to the world that Islam and democracy are really compatible.
In terms of economy, Indonesia’s economic stability has been revived and getting stronger thanks to the prudent management and favorable political and security condition. In this case, inflation is under control, the government’s reserve are at high of US$ 40.8 billion in 2006 rose from 34.7 US$ in 2005, the currency exchange rate of the Indonesian Rupiah against the US dollar is stable and now trading at around 9,000. In addition, the economic growth of Indonesia steadily increased from time to time by 5,13 % in 2004, 5,6% in 2005, and 5.8% in 2006. In 2007, Indonesia’s economy is forecast to grow by 6.3% and 6.6-7% for the following year. Investment, apart from international trade and domestic consumption, will be the main engine of economic growth especially since the promulgating of the new investment law No 25/2007 that applies an equal treatment for domestic and foreign investors; simplifies the investment procedures, and provides other incentives such as fiscal facility, services for Right of Land Use, Immigration Services, and Import Licensing Facility.
Therefore, with all the new development and opportunities, I have the pleasure to invite Thai businessmen to look at and make Indonesia as their destination of investment and other mutually beneficial economic activities.
As part of its efforts to combat terrorism, Indonesia plays an important role in promoting mutual understanding on religion and civilization. As such, Indonesia together with the Government of Norway has organized the second Global-Inter Media Dialogue in Oslo, Norway, on 4-5 June 2007 which attended by journalists from around the world.
Moreover, Indonesia has been supportive to every Interfaith Dialogues either in the framework of bilateral dialogue, regional, and international cooperation. With regard to coping with terrorism, Indonesia continues to seriously crack down on terrorist cell and activities, to bring the perpetrators to justice, to empower the moderate Islam, and to try eradicating the poverty which is recognized as one of the sources of terrorism.
With all these stern measures and upholding the law, security in Indonesia is very much improved, including in the tourist destination areas across Indonesia. The success of Indonesia in combating terrorism would not have materialized without other countries’ support. In this connection, Indonesia is always committed to working together and sharing information with other countries.
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