By : TAZEEN AKHTAR – Editor Pakistan in the World Media GroupMr. and Mrs. Lt Gen Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo (R) , the Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan hosted the 80th Independence Day of their country that also marked the 80th Anniversary of Indonesian Armed Forces and 75th Anniversary of Pakistan-Indonesia Relationship. Federal Minister Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary was the chief guest while Minister State for Law, Barrister Aqeel Malik and Mr. Muhammad Ali, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation also graced the celebration with his presence. Pakistani ministers extended heartfelt congratulations to Government and people of Indonesia. Pakistan and Indonesia are brotherly countries and our relationship is prospering day by day.
Ambassador, in his welcome address , spoke highly on bilateral relations on the theme “75 Years of Enduring Friendship and Trust between Indonesia and Pakistan.”
The address focused the following points that Indonesia and Pakistan;
will recharge our spirits
to further convert the existing profound bilateral relations…
to more concrete works
for the benefits of the peoples of Indonesia and Pakistan.
For sure, business engagement and people-to- people contacts are among key elements to invigorate our fraternal relations and to keep our bilateral ties always relevant for the younger generations.
Embassy’s Women Association presented a series of cultural performances, mixed-performers of Indonesian and Pakistani Youngsters also presented renown songs, Paguyuban Citra, the Cultural Troupe from Indonesia also demonstrated their fun and recieved huge applause. It was led by Honorable Madam Linda Amalia Gumelar, former Minister in the Indonesian Cabinet.
Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary in his address, extend my heartfelt congratulations to Government and people of Indonesia. He said,Pakistan and Indonesia are brotherly countries and our relationship is prospering day by day. Both countrie cooperate on regional and international fora for the peace and stability in their respective regions and in the world.
He admired the journey of Indonesia towards prosperity as, ” Indonesia’s continued progrss over the previous decades is an inspiration of resilience and progress for others.”
Minister said, our bilateral relations date back to the independence of both nations and based on mutual respect, shared values, and a common beleif in freedom and soverignty. We are committed to develop them as bonds of brotherhood. Our relations grew stronger from G2G to P2P over the time.”
H.E. Mr. Chandra W. Sukotjo Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia said, 75 years of diplomatic relations is a symbol of determination and commitment between the two countries. It is an expression of a new commitment and we have to pass on this legacy to the new generation so that the diplomatic, economic and cultural partnership between the two countries can be further strengthened in accordance with the thoughts of the founder of both countries, Ahmad Saikarno, and of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, supported Indonesia’s struggle for freedom from colonial rule and encouraged Muslim soldiers from the subcontinent to assist Indonesians. In recognition, Indonesia posthumously awarded Mr. Jinnah the prestigious “Adipurna” in 1995.
“We have strengthened our bilateral bonds through historical visits by leaders and mutual assistance during crises, such as Pakistan helping Indonesia during the 2004 Aceh tsunami and Indonesia supporting Pakistan during the 2010 floods, Ambassador noted.
The Indonesian envoy said that the two countries have stood by each other in every forum of the world in their 75-year history, and the bilateral brotherhood friendship is not only established between the leadership of the two countries, but the reason for its warmth is the people of both countries.
Pakistan and Indonesia have strong cooperation in defence, trade, education, and culture. For instance, both sides have a preferential trade agreement and collaborate on defence manufacturing. The Ambassador said that relations between the two countries are also strengthening in the defence sector, which will be further strengthened in the future.
Ambassador shed light on people-to-people relations and bilateral economic relations are significant for both countries and more work is needed on this potential.
The relationship between both countries is deeply rooted in shared faith, history, and cultural ties predating the independence of both nations.In 2025, both nations aim to deepen economic collaboration and address trade imbalances as part of their future cooperation agenda.
The reception was attended by large number of diplomats including the members of ASEAN Committee Islamabad, Brunei Darassalaam, Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
