VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Muhammad Lutfi, Indonesian Ambassador to the United States, invited partners in the US to work together to improve bilateral relations between the two countries, and make Indonesia and the US as the old new best friends.

"My mission as the Indonesian Ambassador to the United States is to make Indonesia and the United States the old new best friends in the future," he said in his welcoming ceremony which was held virtually by the United States-Indonesia Society (USINDO), as quoted in a written statement received in Jakarta, Thursday.

The ambassador, who recently submitted his credentials to President Donald Trump, emphasized his commitment and optimism to further strengthen the cooperation between the two countries.

"Apart from the ups and downs of the relationship between the two countries, I am sure that this is the start of a better path forward because we have a lot in common in terms of principles and values, including democracy, freedom of opinion, and respect for human rights," he said.

According to Ambassador Lutfi, Indonesia and the United States are currently in a situation of mutual need, especially in terms of economic advancement and maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

“Indonesia is currently working hard to avoid the middle-income trap by continuing to maintain a good investment climate and improve export-import performance and the quality of human resources. In this regard, the United States is Indonesia's strategic partner to achieve these goals through investment, innovation, human resources, and technology,” Ambassador Lutfi said.

In addition, he added, in the context of maintaining political stability and security in the Indo-Pacific Region, Indonesia is a key player in the eyes of the US.

"Looking at our track record in the Indo-Pacific Region, it can be said that the US can rely on and work closely with Indonesia to continue to protect the Indo-Pacific Region to remain inclusive, open and transparent," he explained.

Apart from these two things, an aspect of cooperation that is a priority for Ambassador Lutfi is economic recovery after the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In addition to appreciating the US for assistance in handling the pandemic such as providing 500 ventilators, the agenda for the future is to collaborate with the US in infrastructure development in Indonesia and to improve the quality of human resources and technology transfer.

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs David R Stilwell, who was also present and represented the US Department of State, also conveyed the US commitment to support Ambassador Lutfi's goals.

"As a strategic partner, the US is ready to work with Indonesia to continue to maintain the stability of the Indo-Pacific Region," he said.

In addition, Stilwell also stated his commitment to support and assist Indonesia in post-pandemic economic recovery, one of which is through the Cooperation Framework to Strengthen Infrastructure Finance and Market Building, which was signed by the Ministers of Finance of the two countries, Steven T. Mnuchin and Sri Mulyani Indrawati on 18 September.

USINDO, represented by Theo L. Sambuaga as the Indonesian Co-Chair, explained that there were 300 participants who attended virtually at the event. They showed interest in the exposure of the new Indonesian Ambassador to the US.

Apart from Ambassador Lutfi himself, USINDO also gave a warm welcome to Mrs. Bianca Adinegoro Lutfi who was also present. (Antaranews)