MESSAGE FROM THE AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF
INDONESIA
FOR THE 59TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDONESIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
RIYADH, 17TH AUGUST 2004
Assalamu’alaikum
Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
With
feeling of gratitude and thanks to God the Al-mighty, today is
the momentous moment for all Indonesian people world-wide who are
celebrating the 59th Anniversary of Independence Day, proclaimed by
our two prominent leaders, Soekarno and Mohamad Hatta, on behalf of the people
of Indonesia. While we have much reason for celebration, we also honor the sacrifices
of our heroic freedom fighters and
remember them with gratitude and reverence the supreme struggle they made to
achieve our independence,
so that we can all look forward to the brighter future in the comity of nations.
On
this 59th Anniversary, the Republic of Indonesia is facing the facts
that this country has entered a new chapter in its history. As the fourth
populous nation, Indonesia has been inaugurated with the free, fair and most
ever democratic election when President Abdurrahman Wahid was at his office,
and, followed by current President, Megawati Soekarnoputri.
Indonesia jumped out of our people’s yearning for political and
economic reform in the realm of democracy, has brought Indonesia to become a
third largest democratic country in the world.
I feel the greatest pleasure to have the
opportunity to be here, in Saudi Arabia, to witness the significant progress of
this nation and the prosperity of its people. During my tenure as Ambassador of
more than 2 years, I realize how much the Indonesia – Saudi Arabia
relationship serves the interests of both our nations. I have already noted
happily the cordial and strong relationship from a common feeling of fraternity
and friendship dating back to ancient times,
As
we celebrate the Independence Day in Saudi Arabia, I would also like to take
this opportunity to convey our warm greetings to Custodian of the Two Holly
Mosques, King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and the brotherly people of the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Political-economic
reforms in Indonesia are now in place and are being consolidated. Opportunities
for mutually profitable cooperation are being opened up by the Indonesian
Government under new economic policies. The rewards are tremendous for those who
can seize these opportunities. The Indonesian Government under President
Megawati Soekarnoputri administration has done all that can create some
significant measures and has encouraged such conducive climate for investment
and trade activities in Indonesia.
Based
on these facts, we therefore encourage all foreign investors to take a good look
at what the Indonesian Government has done. From that point of view, we
therefore believe that all international communities has successfully taken
action and joined the people of Indonesia in a partnership that will assist to
achieve economic recovery and contribute significant measures towards the goal
of true democracy and strong economy in Indonesia.
I
have no doubt to say that the bilateral
relations between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have excellent relationship.
The relations between both people are indeed deeply rooted and had taken
place since hundreds years ago, when the Arab merchants and traders came to
Indonesia to spread Islam. The fraternal bonds between our people will
continue to bind us closer together However, I also believe that the strong tie
between our governments was built upon common aspirations and the noble will of
the respective heads of states. The visits of President Abdurrahman Wahid
followed by Vice President Hamzah Haz and the recent visit by President Megawati
Soekarnoputri symbolizes the mutual understanding, trust and respect between our
beloved countries.
Both
countries now enjoy excellent relations and cooperation in many fields –
political, economic, social, cultural and religious. Indonesia – Saudi Arabia relations is characterized by
utmost cordiality and mutual understanding, trust and confidence.
Until now the two countries have similar visions on boosting relation
with the Islamic world and peace in the world.
While the exchange of high-level visits
continue to set the stage for a substantive consolidation of joint relations,
our countries have also succeeded in establishing concrete and mutual
understandings through the conclusion of various bilateral agreements, the joint
commission and a promotion and reciprocal
protection of investment agreement. I am sure this agreement would ensure
protection for the existing investment or joint investment in both countries.
Two countries are also preparing the signing of Memorandum of Cooperation
regarding Cooperation and Exchange of Information between Bank Indonesia and
Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency.
The
trade volume between two countries seemed to have increased from. In 2002,
recorded of US$ 1,57 billion, in which Saudi exports to Indonesia came to
$1.1 billion, and its import from Indonesia totaled $ 474 million; therefore,
Saudi surplus was $ 629 million. The
deficit mostly resulted from energy imports, including oil, natural gas and
coal. These account for more than 66% percent of the total value of goods
exported to Indonesia. Moreover, other products imported from Indonesia are
mainly wood and wood products, textiles and apparels, tires, paper and its
products, radio, furniture, etc.,
Furthermore, another area of great
importance that I wish to point out is economic cooperation. Over the past few
years, we have seen increasing levels of trade and investment between Saudi
Arabia and Indonesia in which helps and further enhances economic recovery from
the financial crisis. Last but not least, our cooperation in the field of human
resources has brought beneficial results and has further strengthened our
bilateral ties.
In
the light of the general and presidential election, Indonesian communities in
all over the world have finished their privilege to vote their representatives
and, now, they are preparing the second round of the presidential election, on
20 September 2004. I believe the
Indonesian community residing in the Kingdom would participate in this election.
I am sure with their participation the future of our beloved country would be
brightness.
Before
I conclude my message, I would like to appeal to hundreds thousand fellow
citizens that make up the Indonesian communities here, in the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia, to obey the law of this country at all times.
Besides this, I urge all of you to exercise your responsibility by
honesty and hard work to enhance the image of our beloved country Indonesia, and
generously contribute to the development and progress of our nation. We
understand that the Government of Saudi Arabia has contributed a great concern
to supports Indonesian Government’s program in order to overcome its economic
turbulence which struck Indonesia since 1997. This contribution has remained as
a positive trigger in fostering relationships between two sides.
Finally,
may I take this opportunity to convey my sincere wishes for the continued
health and happiness to Custodian of the
Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Royal Family, all the
people of Saudi Arabia and his government for all assistances and facilities
accorded to our mission here, as well as for all accommodations granted to our
nationals living in the Kingdom.
Wassalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi
Wabarakatuh.
Riyadh, 17 August 2004
MUHAMMAD
M. BASYUNI