Indonesia-Uzbekistan: relations to strengthen and develop further
22.08.2007, 13:58
On 17 August, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic
of Indonesia, the country's Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary to Uzbekistan Mr. Sjahril Sabaruddin spoke to
UzReport.com about the roots and history of friendly Indonesian-Uzbek
relations, and the achievements of his country.
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Mr. Ambassador, congratulations on the national holiday, the
Independence Day of Indonesia. Please accept our warmest wishes.
Success to you and the staff of the Embassy in all the initiatives on
the development of bilateral relations between Indonesia and
Uzbekistan. Could you please speak about the history of relations
between the two countries?
- Today, the 17th of August
2007, I join with my countrymen in Indonesia and all over the world in
celebrating the 62nd Anniversary of Indonesia's Independence Day. On
this auspicious occasion, I would like to avail myself of this
opportunity to convey, on behalf of the Government and people of
Indonesia, our warmest greeting and sincere wishes to His Excellency
Islam Karimov, and the people of Uzbekistan, my warmest wishes and also
go to my fellow countrymen who residing in Uzbekistan.
Indonesia and the Republic of Uzbekistan established their bilateral
relations 15 years ago, in 1992. However, the cordial relations between
the two countries could be traced back to the visit of His Excellency
Islam Karimov to Indonesia in 1992. On the other side is the visit of
President of the Republic of Indonesia: His Excellency Mr. Soeharto
visited Uzbekistan in 1995.
The exchange of visits among the
officials and the private sector of the two countries recently, more
often, many visits have been performed by both sides, particularly
after the first meeting of the Committee of Bilateral Consultation
between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia
and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan on
November 2005 in Tashkent. Furthermore the Committee has conducted the
second meeting in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia in 2006, and the third
meeting was in Tashkent 2007. Since then, a number of agreements have
been signed, among other are in the sectors of trade, investment,
tourism, energy, education, information and technology communication,
as well as visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders. 15 years of
diplomatic relations between the two countries, have successfully shown
that the two sides have created a new cooperation to meet their
national interests respectively, that also parallel with the pace of
the global challenge and cooperation in various areas encompassing
political, economy, socio-cultural and security fields. I strongly
believe these relations will be more solidified and strengthened in the
years to come.
In the regional and multilateral fora, both
countries are members of the important international organization such
as United Nations (UN), OIC, NAM, etc. It is noted that the two
countries' positions in those organizations are supportive of each
other's. Uzbekistan has supported Indonesia as a non-permanent member
of Security Council of the UN, the Human Right Council, Council of ITU,
ECOSOC, UNEP, UN Habitat. On the other side, Indonesia supports
Uzbekistan's position on human rights, to be participate in ADC, ect.
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Mr. Ambassador, could you please tell about Indonesia's achievements
which make this country an attractive place for business and tourism.
- For Indonesians, independence means reinforcing their founding
father's vision to materialize justice and welfare for Indonesian
citizens. To achieve that vision, the Government of Indonesia has done
its utmost to promote law supremacy, to improve good governance, to
strengthen democratic institutions, to empower civil society, and to
create a friendly business environment. However, the challenges are
still abundant, especially with the increasing natural calamities,
terrorism and trans-national crimes, and to cope with the negative
effects of globalization.
Indonesia is committed to managing
and navigating its economy prudently after the Asian economic crisis in
1998. This can be seen from the country's macroeconomic position which
has seen a significant improvement following the maintenance of
favorable political and security conditions. Indonesia's economic
stability has been revived; inflation is under control; the
government's reserves are at a high of US$43 billion in 2006; the
currency exchange rate of the Indonesian Rupiah against the American
Dollar is stable and now trading around 9,300 Rupiah, that dramatically
stronger than the 11,000 per US Dollar level of a few years ago.
In addition, despite the highest oil prices and natural disasters
affecting Indonesia over the last two years, Indonesia has seen
economic growth of 5.13% in 2004, 5.6% in 2005, 5.5% in 2006, and it is
forecast to grow at a rate of 6% to 6.3% in 2007. Indonesia Economic
Work Plan for 2007 is targeted to reach rate of growth 6.8%. Among
ASEAN + 3 (Japan, South Korea, and China), According to ADB,
Indonesia's economy reassuring by its economic growth which is 5th
position in 2006, as well as in 2007. With all the new developments and
opportunities, I have the pleasure of inviting Uzbekistan business
circle to enhance their business contract with in Indonesia, and to
have more business trip which will contribute to achieve our economic
and trade relations between the two countries.
As a country
with the largest majority of Muslim population in the world, Indonesia
has also transformed to become the third largest democracy in the
world after the United States of America and India. To promote
understanding on religion and civilization, especially with the rising
of acts of terrorism, which may likely create misunderstandings among
believers, Indonesia is playing an active role to promote interfaith
dialogue, since 2004 for Asia – Pasific region and 2005 for Asia –
Europe region, that to convene the International Conference of Islamic
Scholars (ICIS) and The Global-Inter Media Dialogue, which was be
co-sponsored by the Government of Indonesia and Norway in Bali on 1-2
September 2006.
Internally, Indonesia has seriously cracked
down on terrorist cells and activities, bringing them to face justice,
and empowering moderate Islam as well as trying to eradicate 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 tourist destinations of Indonesia.
Indonesia has also successfully resolved some internal conflicts by
proposing dialogue and reconciliation. In the case of Aceh, the
Indonesian Parliament recently endorsed new legislation on the local
government of Aceh as the basis for political solutions and the way to
speed up economic development. The security and social economic life in
Aceh has been achieved and stable, and the idea to establish sister
city between Banda Aceh, Capital city of Nangroe Aceh Province, with
Samarqand, which was planed several years ago, it might be time now to
materialized. As a initial effect, a group of artists and officials
from Aceh will participate in the celebration of 2750 years of
Samarqand. In this regard, I would like also to invite Uzbekistan
people to visit Indonesia which has a lot of similarity in Islamic
culture and tradition, as well as to congratulate the government of
Uzbekistan for announcement of Tashkent city as Islamic culture and
heritage for 2007 by the IOC.
The success of the Indonesian
Government to resolve its internal problems has resulted wide range
recognition from the international community. Apart from those
achievements, Indonesia has also improved its image by promoting and
respecting human rights. For this reason, Indonesia has been elected as
one of the members of the Human Rights Council on 9 May 2007.
Before concluding my message, I would like to express my
congratulations to eight official civil servants of Uzbekistan who have
just returned from Indonesia to carry out comparative study on national
administrative and economic free zone on Batam Island, Indonesia as
well as 10 official civil servants who visited the Indonesia's
Institute of Public Administration in Jakarta. I also would like to
congratulate eight Uzbek students who have received scholarships to
study art and Indonesian language and will be studying in Indonesia
starting in September 2007.
A note from the Embassy of Indonesia:
Visit Indonesia – the Ultimate in Diversity
Positioned between the Asian and Australians continents the vast
Indonesian archipelago spans 5,120 km, across the equator and consists
of more than17,000 islands including several mini archipelagos. Four
fifths of the area is sea and the five main islands are Sumatra, Java,
Sulawesi, Kalimantan, and Papua. Indonesia is home to some 400 ethnic
groups that exists harmoniously, creating a potpourri of cultures and
fascinating people. A cultural heritage passed on through generations
offers a wealth of traditional arts and crafts.
A
characteristically tropical climate of abundant rainfall, high
temperatures and humidity combined with a unique geographical
character, provides shelter for flora and fauna that are as diversely
rich as its land and people. Endemic species which are the pride of
Indonesia are the orangutans, Javan and Sumateran tigers, one-horned
rhinos, dugongs, anoas, and komodo dragons. Around the archipelagos,
warm waters nurture a rich marine environment of rare tropical fish,
coral species and marine mammals. It is a land that offers wonderful
opportunities for adventure, business and leisure. From exotic
tropical rainforests and pristine beaches to villages and sprawling
cities, there is an amazing range of exhilarating activity and
adventure in store amidst beautiful attractions and destinations. Here
are some interesting places in Indonesia that give great enjoyment and
make for memorable visits.
Jakarta: a City of Contrasts
Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is one of Asia's most vibrant
cities, and a melting pot of over 12 million people. Situated
strategically on the northwest coast of Java, it is a modern metropolis
with a dynamic international business and financial centre. It is also
the seat of Indonesia's central government. Jakarta is a city where
centuries-old traditions still live amidst towering modern skyscrapers
where a wide range of leisure options and business opportunities lure
visitors each year. There are shopping, dining, golfing, museums and
historical sites to visit and natural wonders to explore. Some of them
are Seribu Islands, Bogor and Cibodas Botanical Gardens, and Puncak Tea
Plantation.
Java: The Ancient Land
Java is
divided into four provinces: West Java, Central Java, East Java, and
Banten. In the southern part of Central Java, Yogyakarta bears the
status of special (administrative) region. In the northern part of West
Java, Jakarta bears the special status of Capital City. The land's
physical features promise a wealth of options for the outdoor person,
from the dense tropical jungle Ujung Kulon, Banten, to the black sandy
shores in Parangtritis, Yogyakarta and the sea of sand in Bromo, East
Java. In addition, Java offers many cultural heritage sites which are
influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism, such as Borobudur, Prambanan,
Mendut, and Kalasan temples.
Bali: The Island of Gods
Bali is one of thousands of islands that make up the Indonesian
Archipelago. Bali has long been famous worldwide as a leading tourist
destination, known for its exotic and vibrant art and culture, natural
beauty, and hospitality of the people. The island of Bali consists
mostly of an East-West string of mountains and their alluvial plains
that are at their widest on the south side. About 95% of its
populations practice a form of Hinduism, blended with Buddhism,
animism, and ancestor worship. For the Balinese people, their religion
is inseparable from everyday life. They never miss an opportunity to
worship God in an unending series of ceremonies that extend from birth
to death, and far beyond.
Bali's spectacular beaches,
volcanoes, lakes, temples, and terraced rice field – combined with its
deeply artistic roots, unique ceremonies and legendary hospitality –
have made it one of the most visited places that are very much worthy
to visit, are Besakih Temple, Tanah Lot, Kintamani, Nusa Dua, and Ubud.
Lombok: The Island of Peace.
The island of
Lombok is located east of Bali. This unique isle is to the east of one
of the sharpest fissures in nature, the so called Wallace Line that
cuts through the Indonesian Archipelago and divides the flora and fauna
of Asia and that of Australia, Papua, New Zealand, and other Pacific
islands. Lombok has exceptional combination of spectacular unspoiled
scenery, wonderful beaches, and exotic mosaic of Islamic, Buddhism,
Hinduism, and Christian culture that will provide an adequate lure to
tourists seeking a less developed tropical escape. Some interesting
places in Lombok that are worthwhile to visit are Mount Rinjani and
Segara Anak Lake, Senggigi Beach, and Batu Bolong (Hollow Rock).
Sumatera: Land of Adventure
Sumatera is the third biggest island in the archipelago in the fifth in
the world, is divided into nine provinces: Nangroe Aceh Darussalam,
North Sumatera, West Sumatera, Riau, Jambi, Bengkulu, Bangka-Belitung,
Lampung, and South Sumatera. On this Island, there is a massive "Bukit
Barisan" mountain range which runs almost entire length of the island,
rugged on coastlines, expansive beaches, deep gorges, and steamy
swamps. Here are some interesting places that are worth a visit such as
Parapat and Toba Lake in North Sumatera; Bukit Tinggi, Maninjau Lake,
and Mentawai Island in West Sumatera.
Sulawesi: The Celebrated Celebes
Sulawesi is divided into five provinces; South Sulawesi, Central
Sulawesi, North Sulawesi, and Gorontalo, with rugged mountains, virgin
rainforests, lush paddy fields, highland lakes and pristine beaches,
the island's dramatic geographical features are home to diverse
cultures and traditions. Some interesting places recommended to visit
are Bunaken Sea Garden in North Sulawesi and tana Toraja (Toraja Land)
in South Sulawesi.
On 17 August, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic
of Indonesia, the country's Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary to Uzbekistan Mr. Sjahril Sabaruddin spoke to
UzReport.com about the roots and history of friendly Indonesian-Uzbek
relations, and the achievements of his country. 