Jakarta, December 14, 2024 – The Europe Today: Indonesia and the United States have marked the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, with significant advancements in their strategic partnership, according to Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono.
In a public discussion held in Jakarta on Friday, Sugiono emphasized the importance of the enduring partnership between the two nations, highlighting their shared commitment to advancing democracy, peace, and common prosperity. “Indonesia and the US are strategic partners in advancing democracy, realizing peace, and pushing for prosperity,” he stated.
Sugiono noted that both countries had recently conducted general elections, underscoring their strong commitment to democratic processes. He further highlighted the Indonesia-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as a testament to the robust cooperation and mutual support between the two nations.
A key moment in strengthening these ties was the recent meeting between Sugiono and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, held on the sidelines of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Washington, D.C., in November. During this visit, the US government reaffirmed its support for the Asta Cita (Eight Missions) program promoted by President Prabowo, which focuses on key areas including investment, food and energy resilience, and transformations in health and education.
“Indonesia is ready to strengthen relations between the two countries to fulfill Asta Cita programs,” Sugiono remarked, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in these critical areas.
US Ambassador to Indonesia, Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, also spoke at the event, reinforcing the strong partnership between the two nations. “Our partnership is developed by common values and priorities to achieve prosperity and development for our people,” she affirmed.
As part of the celebrations, a special commemorative stamp marking the 75th anniversary of US-Indonesia diplomatic relations was launched by Sugiono, Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid, and Ambassador Lakhdhir.
Diplomatic ties between Indonesia and the US were officially established on December 30, 1949, when H. Merle Cochran, the first US ambassador to Indonesia, presented his credentials to President Soekarno in Jakarta.
The 75th anniversary is being commemorated through a series of events in both countries, including public discussions, an orchestra concert in Jakarta, an Indonesian economic forum, and a cultural festival in the United States, all aimed at celebrating and further deepening the bilateral relationship.
