TEHRAN- The Indonesian Embassy in Tehran celebrated the 78th anniversary of the country’s Independence Day at the place of Parsian Azadi Hotel in Tehran on Thursday evening (September 21).

The event was attended by a number of high-ranking officials, including Iran’s Vice President for Technological and Scientific Affairs Ruhollah Dehghani Firouzabadi, and ambassadors of some other countries in Tehran.

Addressing the ceremony, Indonesian Ambassador to Tehran Ronny Prasetyo Yuliantoro delivered a speech, the text of which comes as follows:

It is an immense pleasure that we gather here this evening to celebrate the 78th anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day.

It was on the 17th of August 1945 when our founding fathers declared our independence, which we, Indonesians, celebrate annually and joyously as our Independence Day.

Tonight, celebration not only commemorates Indonesia's hard-fought independence but also to reflect upon remarkable journey of achievement over the past 78 years.

Indonesia has overcome many obstacles and challenges. We made significant strides and solid progress in maintaining political stability, eradicating poverty, reforming the business landscape, and facilitating investment.

Against the post-pandemic effect and a backdrop of global economic moderation, Indonesia economic growth stood solid at 5.11 percent during the first semester of 2023.

Growth in investment and government spending also more than doubled to 4.63 percent and 10.62 percent while inflation has returned to the targeted corridor to 3.54 percent, quicker than projected.

Indonesia is currently undertaking many concrete transformations to pave the success of the Vision of Golden Indonesia 2045, which implies a future view of Indonesia achieving the status of a developed and prosperous country 100 years after its independence. 

With the country’s strength opportunities, including the estimated population of 309 million people, economic growth projections of 5 to 6 percent, GDP of 9.1 trillion dollars, and with per capita income to reach more than 25,000 dollars in the next 22 years, we are optimistic that Indonesia will become the world’s fourth-largest economy by its centenary in 2045.

In order to achieve this vision, one of the major keys is for Indonesia to be united and work together as a nation which is being inscribe into our 78th Anniversary Celebration theme, namely “Terus Melaju Untuk Indonesia Maju” which implies to work together to advancing Indonesia. 

‘Iran, Indonesia committed to boost their bilateral co-op to a higher level’

The ambassador went on to say:

Over the years, Indonesia and Iran have shared deep-rooted historical and cultural ties that have evolved into a dynamic partnership encompassing various sectors such as trade, culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

Government-to-government cooperation remains an essential component of our bilateral relationship. We have actively engaged in diplomatic discussions to address various challenges and opportunities based on mutual respect and understanding.

The visit of President Ebrahim Raisi to Indonesia last May was a testament of the commitment of both countries to boost its current bilateral cooperation to a higher level.

The two leaders committed in enhancing bilateral cooperation especially in the fields of trade, health, science and technology.

I am pleased to convey that both sides are currently following up the commitment.

Another crucial area of cooperation that I also would like to note is between parliaments. In many years, our parliamentarians have engaged in fruitful exchanges, sharing legislative experiences and promoting dialogue on various issues of mutual interest.

The collaboration between our parliaments is a testament to the democratic principles that underpin our societies.

This cooperation not only strengthens our diplomatic ties but also ensures that the voices of our people are heard at the highest levels.

I also would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Iranian government and people for their warm hospitality and support extended to the Indonesian community here in Tehran and in many cities in Iran.

This generosity has undoubtedly contributed to the strong people-to-people connections that we enjoy today.

 ‘Iran, Indonesia seeking to deepen cooperation in various fields

Addressing the same event, Iran’s Vice President for Technological and Scientific Affairs Ruhollah Dehghani Firouzabadi said that fortunately, friendly political relation exists between Tehran and Jakarta, and they are taking initiatives and actions to create the ground to enhance bilateral relations in various areas of mutual interest with a strategic approach.

“The clear example of this political relation is the recent visit of President Raisi to Indonesia and meeting his counterpart, which marks a turning point in bilateral relation and beginning of a new chapter in ties between our two nations”, the official noted.

He said that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Indonesia are seeking to deepen cooperation in various political, economic, commercial, energy, scientific, technological, cultural, military and security areas.

The value of trade between the two countries is now about $1 billion. Fortunately, there are a lot of grounds for cooperation, the official stated.

Photo: Indonesian Ambassador to Tehran Ronny Prasetyo Yuliantoro