VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - President of Suriname, H.E. Chandrikapersad Santokhi attends the diplomatic reception commemorating Indonesia's Independence Day, Thursday, 31 August 2023 in Paramaribo, Suriname.

The presence of the President of Suriname at the diplomatic reception held by the Indonesian Embassy in Paramaribo is the second time in a row after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a release received by VOI on Saturday.

Apart from the President, the presence of the Vice President, Chairperson and Members of the National Assembly, as well as a number of Cabinet Ministers emphasized the bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Suriname in various fields.

In his welcoming speech, Ambassador of Indonesia to Suriname and Guyana, H.E. Julang Pujianto conveyed the spirit of commemoration of the 78^th Republic of Indonesia’s independence-day with the theme Keep Moving Forward for Indonesia. This theme is in line with President Joko Widodo’s expectations about the opportunity for Indonesia Gold in 2045 when it will commemorate the 100^th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Indonesia.

The Indonesian Ambassador Paramaribo also conveyed the development of the Indonesian Government grant agreement to the Suriname Government which was signed in 2021.The grant agreement consists of USD 100 thousand within the framework of the Indo AID development cooperation which aims to support the welfare of Surinamese citizens of Indonesian descent.

The manifestation of the grant includes the inauguration of a documentation center on January 21, 2023, the launch of the book 133 Jaar Java Suriname on August 8, 2023, and the Culinary and Handicraft Market building being built in Mariënburg, Suriname.

“Every year August 17^th is always celebrated by all Indonesian diaspora around the world, including in Suriname," added President Santokhi.

Furthermore, President Santokhi emphasized Indonesia’s success as the largest economy in Southeast Asia and has become one of the world’s emerging market economies. According to the President, the success is inseparable from discipline, dedication, and clear vision. President Santokhi also saluted President Joko Widodo’s strong leadership in realizing the vision of a developed Indonesia.

In particular, regarding the decision to relocate the National Capital to Kalimantan for the Purpose of Inclusive and justice growth, which is projected in a relatively short time.

President Santokhi also realized the need to strengthen trade relations, bearing in mind that Suriname is Indonesia’s gateway to the Caribbean region and CARICOM. In addition, it was stated about the mutual desire between Suriname and Indonesia to form a trading house, as discussed in the Road to INALAC 2023.

The Diplomatic reception was also attended by Miss Java finalists and Miss & Mr. Tropical Beauty Suriname. The reception is also used for promotion of Indonesian arts and culture as well as tourism.

Guests were entertained by classical dance performances, Golek Ayun-Ayun and a new creation dance, Trip to Bali. While playing Indonesian folk songs, the guest also enjoyed some Indonesian specialties such as chicken satay, layer cakes, onde-onde, and semar mendem. (VOI)