VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Photo source: kemlu.go.id

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Phnom Penh and the Indonesian community in Cambodia collaborated to renovate the Indonesia-Cambodia Friendship Primary and Secondary School in Prey Veng Province, Cambodia. This initiative is a contribution from the Indonesian community to the local community which coincides with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Cambodia and the 79th anniversary of Indonesia's independence.

The inauguration ceremony of the newly renovated school was held on July 6 and attended by Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia, Santo Darmosumarto and Governor of Prey Veng, Suon Somalin, as well as Tonn Sa Im representing the Cambodian Minister of Education, Youth and Sports. In additon, donors were also present from the Indonesian community, including Indonesian businessmen in Cambodia and Indonesian citizens living and working in Cambodia.

The school renovation, which cost around US$34,000, includes updating school equipment, laboratory equipment, tables and chairs, toilets, a school gazebo that can be used for reading or other activities, as well as a new school gate. The donation was fully raised by the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh and the Indonesian community in Cambodia, which currently reaches more than 100,000 people.

Ambassador Santo Darmosumarto stated that the renovation of the school is a testament to the lasting friendship and cooperation between Indonesia and Cambodia. According to Ambassador Santo, Indonesia has a long history of contributing to the Cambodian community, and the school was first established in 1995. Currently, the Friendship School has around 790 students from kindergarten to junior high school.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Indonesian Society in Cambodia (PERMIKA), Arik Mintorogo, said that reviving the school not only provides better educational facilities for the students but also strengthens ties between the two countries.

Ambassador Santo further said that the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh and the Indonesian Community in Cambodia are committed to ensuring that students at the Indonesia and Cambodia Friendship School have proper facilities for learning. According to Ambassador Santo, these students are the future of bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Cambodia.