SPEECHES  

SPEECH BY H.E RAHARDJO DJOJONEGORO
INDONESIAN AMBASSADOR
AT THE RECEPTION OF THE 55^TH ANNIVERSARY OF 
THE INDONESIAN INDEPENDENCE,  AUGUST 18^TH 2000.

 

His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Negara Brunei Darussalam, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Zariah.

 Pengirans, Pehins, Datos, Datins, Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Indonesian government, it is with a deep sense of privilege and honor that I welcome His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Negara Brunei Darussalam and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Zariah, to the celebration of the 55^th anniversary of the Indonesian independence. I am equally grateful to our distinguished guests, colleagues as well as friends who are here to join our celebration this evening.

As Indonesians once again celebrate the birth of our nation on August 17^th 1945, we also take the time to look to our past for inspiration on this important day in Indonesian history. From a backward, indigent and exploited people under colonial repression for over 350 years, we have grown to become the fourth most populous nation and have emerged as one of the major success stories of the developing world. While we have much reason for celebration, we also honor the sacrifices of the great patriots of the past and share their courage of struggle and vision in facing next century’s challenges so that we can all look forward to an even brighter future in the comity of nations. 

Your Royal Highnesses,

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I feel the greatest pleasure to have the opportunity to be here in Brunei Darussalam to witness the significant progress of this nation and the prosperity of its people. During my tenure as Ambassador in this beautiful country, I realize how much the Brunei – Indonesia relationship serves the interests of both our nations. It is a broad, diverse, active relationship stemming from a common feeling of fraternity and friendship dating back to ancient times - growing constantly as more and more Bruneians and Indonesians study, work and travel in each other’s countries.

I have no doubt that 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 exchange of visits by President Abdurrahman Wahid and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan Yang Dipertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam this year symbolizes the mutual understanding, trust and respect between our two countries. This relationship was further reinforced by this year’s visits of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bokiah to Indonesia followed by the recent visit by His Excellency Foreign Minister Dr. Alwi Shihab to Brunei Darussalam.

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, notably on the joint commission, avoidance of double taxation and broadcasting and information. 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 Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia which helps and further enhances economic recovery from the financial crisis. Last but not least, our joint cooperation in the field of training and education has brought beneficial results and has further strengthened our bilateral ties through the development of human resources in both our countries.

Aside from bilateral cooperation, our mutual interests, perceptions and approaches with our ASEAN partners towards both regional and global issues have been very fruitful. On that note, my government wishes to reiterate its strong support for the BIMP-EAGA which has gained substantial achievement of which much of the credit should go to the perseverance of the Government of Brunei Darussalam in implementing its programs through its Business Council located here in Bandar Seri Begawan. My government is also highly confident of the future success and important role Brunei Darussalam will play in hosting the forthcoming APEC Leaders Economic Meeting this November and the 7^th ASEAN Summit in the year 2001 and wishes the Government and people of Brunei Darussalam great success. 

Your Royal Highnesses,

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to conclude by saying that together with some 20 thousand fellow citizens that make up the Indonesian community here in Brunei Darussalam, we believe that August 17^th is not only about how we celebrate another anniversary of independence. Rather, it is a time where we salute the independence and freedom in both our countries and to thank our Bruneian friends for the years of friendship and to look forward to many more. In this occasion I would like to share the joy and happiness over the recent launching of  Your Highness’s book entitled Time and the River.

Finally, may I take this opportunity to convey my sincere wishes for the continued health and happiness of His Majesty Sultan and Yang Dipertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, the Royal Family and all the people of Brunei Darussalam.

Thank you,

Wabillahitaufiq wal Hidayah,

Wassalamu’alakum Wr. Wb.

Rahardjo Djojonegoro
Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam