H.E. Mr. Hadi Sufri Yunus, Head of Mission in Bucharest
17 August 2009 is a joyful moment for all Indonesians world-wide who are celebrating the 64th Anniversary of Independence, proclaimed by Indonesia’s two prominent leaders, Soekarno and Mohamad Hatta, on behalf of the Indonesian people. The country grabbed its independence after more than three centuries Indonesia struggled for its freedom.
On this 64th Anniversary, the Republic of Indonesia is facing the facts that this country has entered a new chapter in its history. On 8th July 2009, international community witnessed more than 120 million Indonesian citizens mark their ballot for the 2009 – 2014 President of the Republic of Indonesia.
Earlier this year, in April 2009 Indonesia also held parliamentary elections that were peaceful, free and democratic. Since 2005, Indonesia has held more than 500 direct local elections, that the World Bank calls Indonesia the capital election of the world. Indonesia is the fourth most populous country with overwhelmingly moderate Muslim majority in the world and the third largest democracy. More Muslims live in Indonesia, in fact, than in the entire Middle East. Thus, Indonesia has shown the world that Islam and democracy can – and do – coexist.
Political-economic reforms in Indonesia are now being in place and consolidated. During sixty four years of enthralling journey, Indonesia until this moment has undergone remarkable changes, developments and progress. Along that paths of successes, Indonesia, however, have been confronting with challenges and difficulties.
For many years, Indonesia has done its best to disrupt, hunt and arrest terrorist cells. Unfortunately, Indonesian capital Jakarta suffered a set back when terrorists struck two Hotels last July. Despite of the attack, Indonesian economy is apparently tough in facing the impact of the recent bombings.
On wider economic scope, Indonesia has been less affected by the global financial crisis compared to many other European and Asian nations. Indonesia is included in the group of countries which gained positive economic growth amid the global economic contraction along with China and India.
On the bilateral basis, Republic of Indonesia and Romania have been so far pursuing excellent traditional bilateral relations. The diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Romania began with the Romanian recognition on the independence of the Republic of Indonesia on 20 February 1950.
With the accession of Romania to the EU on 2007, Indonesia puts high hopes that the agreement could later boost the Indonesia – Romania bilateral cooperation in conjunction with ensuring close and sustainable dialog and cooperation to develop partnership such as trade ties between Indonesia and the EU as well as to promote cooperation in education, research, environment, energy, tourism and transportation.
In economic field, the 2008 trade value between Indonesia and Romania totaled USD 100,89 million. During the first quarter of 2009, total trade between the two countries recorded USD 18,5 million.
The establishment of Romania-Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry early this year undeniably will become an essential key in improving overall Indonesia – Romania economic cooperation. On its 64th Anniversary, Indonesia aims to further strengthen its mutual relationship with multiple countries, including Romania. Both countries need to work together in coping with the global challenges, and explore more channels in regard to fulfill its potential for a long-lasting partnership and abundant cooperation between the Republic of Indonesia and Romania.
