Karling klub Vukovi

A formal reception was held in Belgrade on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of Independence Day and the National Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia, which gathered numerous dignitaries, including members of the Society of Serbian-Indonesian Friendship “Nusantara”. A cultural and artistic program marked the ceremony, and the ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia in Serbia, His Excellency Mochammad Chandra Widya Yudha, addressed the audience.

The ambassador highlighted the unique nature of this event regarding the approaching end of his mandate. “I am thinking with pride about the incredible journey we have travelled together, a journey that reflects the values of unity and determination that we celebrate tonight,” the ambassador emphasised. He added that when he arrived in Belgrade, he could not even imagine the depth of the relationship that would develop and that representing Indonesia in a hospitable and beautiful country, such as Serbia, was one of the most fulfilling experiences in his career.

Ambassador Mochammad Chandra Widya Yudha particularly underlined the importance of cultural events, such as the “Kalimantan Wonderland” festival, which gathered thousands of visitors in 2019 and showcased the richness of Indonesian culture. On the economic front, significant progress has been achieved through various trade and investment forums, with a focus on cooperation between Indonesian and Serbian companies, especially in the agricultural sector. He also reminded guests of the prestigious Captain Miša Anastasijević Award, awarded to the Embassy in 2020 as a recognition of lasting economic and cordial relations between Indonesia and Serbia.

 “This year has a special significance because it marks the 70th year of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Serbia (1954-2024). In honour of this milestone, Posts of both countries will soon issue commemorative stamps that symbolise the permanent friendship of our peoples,” the ambassador pointed out.

In the political sense, the ambassador emphasised as a significant event the visit of the newly elected President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, to Belgrade in July, where he spoke with the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, which approved the ambitions for strengthening bilateral ties. Also, parliamentary relations reached new heights, which was confirmed by the visit of the President of the Indonesian House of Representatives to Serbia in August, during which she had a fruitful meeting with the President of the National Assembly of Serbia. “These advances reflect our constant efforts to improve cooperation at all levels,” said Ambassador Mochammad Chandra Widya Yudha.

In a very emotional speech, he thanked his Serbian colleagues, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, people from the Indonesian Embassy and all partners for their invaluable support in strengthening bilateral relations, as well as the Society of Serbian-Indonesian Friendship “Nusantara” for its vital contribution in deepening the ties between the two nations.

At the end of the speech, the Ambassador of Indonesia, Mochammad Chandra Widya Yudha said, “May the friendship between Indonesia and Serbia continue to grow, like a flower that blooms more and more beautifully every season.”

On behalf of the “Nusantara” Society, the president of the Society, Dr. Vuk Mirčetić, the advisor to the president, Dr. Aleksandar Raković, members of the Management and Supervisory board, Biljana Šujdović, Viktor Lazić, Vladimir Ilić, Dr. Zvonimir Baković, Milan Đokić and Predrag Karasović, as well as other members of the Society, attended the reception.

Photo: Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia.