Celebrating 79 Years of Indonesian Independence and Strengthening Qatar-Indonesia Ties

The Indonesian embassy hosted a grand celebration of the nation’s Independence Day, marking 79 years since the nation declared its sovereignty and the 48th year of diplomatic relations with the State of Qatar. The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome from His Excellency Mr. Ridwan Hassan, the Ambassador of Indonesia to Qatar, who expressed deep gratitude to the distinguished guests, including His Excellency Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanim, Qatar’s Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, and the ambassadors of Qatar and Eritrea. There were stirring renditions of both the Indonesian and host country’s national anthems, symbolizing unity and friendship. The ceremony included a captivating array of cultural performances, showcasing Indonesia’s rich heritage. These performances served as a reminder of Indonesia’s diversity and its deep cultural roots, leaving a lasting impression on the guests.
In his remarks, the Ambassador reflected on Indonesia’s resilient journey since its declaration of independence on August 17, 1945. He highlighted the national motto, “Unity in Diversity,” which has kept the country united despite its vast population of over 280 million and 1,300 ethnic groups. As a member of the G20, Indonesia has made significant economic strides, with growth expected to reach 5.1% from 2024-2026, driven by nationwide infrastructure development.
The Ambassador underscored the importance of Indonesia’s new capital city, Nusantara, in East Kalimantan, and encouraged further collaboration in business and infrastructure development. He also emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to global peace, calling for an end to violence and humanitarian aid access, particularly in Palestine and Lebanon. He reaffirmed Indonesia’s firm stance on the independence of Palestine, continuing to advocate for the rights of its people.
Turning to bilateral relations, the Ambassador celebrated the enduring partnership between Qatar and Indonesia. Over the past 48 years, both nations have forged strong ties based on mutual respect and cooperation. Looking ahead to the 50th anniversary in 2026, the Ambassador expressed confidence that the relationship would deepen, especially with Qatar’s growing role as a global hub for trade and peace.
Economic collaboration has flourished with nearly 12% growth in bilateral trade over the last five years, and both countries continue to work together in various sectors, including humanitarian aid and education. Indonesia and Qatar also co-hosted the International Conference on Afghan Women’s Education, marking a key milestone in their shared commitment to education and empowerment.
Cultural exchange between the nations was highlighted, particularly during the Qatar-Indonesia Year of Culture in 2023, which was lauded as a great success. Indonesia’s active participation in Qatar’s 2022 World Cup showcased the strength of the Indonesian diaspora, with many community members contributing to Qatar’s cultural vibrancy. The Ambassador also noted the significant number of Indonesian students in Qatar, with increasing educational exchanges through various partnerships between universities.
As Indonesia welcomed a new leadership under President Prabowo Subianto, the Ambassador extended his appreciation to Qatar for its continued support. He mentioned the productive discussions held between the leaders of both nations during the Qatar Economic Forum in May 2024, emphasizing the potential for further cooperation in sectors like food security and education.
In closing, the Ambassador expressed heartfelt gratitude to the State of Qatar, particularly to H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, for their ongoing hospitality and friendship. He expressed hope that the people-to-people ties between the two countries would continue to grow stronger in the coming years.