Speech H.E. ARIEF MUHAMMAD BASALAMAH, AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA TO UKRAINE AT DIPLOMATIC RECEPTION 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA
Tuesday, 19 August 2025 at 18.30
His Excellency Mr. Yevhen Perebynis, Deputy Foreign Minister
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Assalamualaikum warrahmatullahi wabarakatuh
Dobryy vechir
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you this evening to the diplomatic reception…… celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia. This is a moment of pride for the Indonesian people, and it is my privilege to share it with our friends and partners here in Ukraine. I am especially honored by the presence of His Excellency Yevhen Perebynis, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, as our Guest of Honor this evening.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The theme for this year’s independence celebration is “United and Sovereign, Prosperous People, Advanced Indonesia.” This theme reflects the spirit of our nation as it embraces a new era of progress and development, while remaining deeply rooted in unity and sovereignty.
At the heart of Indonesia’s independence is the unwavering commitment to freedom, dignity, and the betterment of all its people. From the vibrant cities to the serene islands, Indonesia’s diversity is our strength, and our nation stands proud as a beacon of pluralism and harmony.
As we gather here, we do not simply mark a date…. We also celebrate the friendship and cooperation between our two countries. Indonesia and Ukraine may be separated by distance, yet our shared values and aspirations bring us together.
Distinguished Guests,
The bonds between Indonesia and Ukraine grew from a shared commitment to independence, mutual cooperation, and the pursuit of peace. In times of global challenge, our nations have stood together — advocating dialogue, partnership, and the unwavering principles of sovereignty.
This year marks the 33rd year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two nations. Over more than three decades, our two nations have built a relationship founded on mutual respect, constructive dialogue, and a genuine willingness to cooperate — a relationship that has endured even amidst the difficult circumstances Ukraine faces today.
Indonesia deeply appreciates the commitment shown by both our governments to continue advancing our bilateral agenda. I am pleased to share that the relationship between Indonesia and Ukraine has grown deeper, broader, and more resilient, particularly in recent years.
On political sphere, the visit of President Joko Widodo to Kyiv in 2022 …as well as the meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and the then President-elect of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, in 2023 underscored Indonesia’s commitments to international law and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This includes the voting in favor of the UN General Assembly Resolution on “Advancing a Comprehensive, Just and Lasting Peace for Ukraine” in February 2025.
On economic area, we have observed a promising trajectory. Despite global uncertainties, bilateral trade experienced a significant upswing, with trade volume surpassing USD 785.1 million in 2024 — reflecting a 43.3% increase from the previous year. Additionally, we have seen a positive growth trend of 11.23% in the balance of trade between our two countries over the past five years. Both countries are actively exploring expanded economic cooperation, including investments and joint productions. In 2024, we recorded 426 projects of Ukraine’s foreign direct investment in Indonesia with total amount of USD 32.5 million. Indonesia has remained a major trading partner for Ukraine in Southeast Asia, with robust exchange in goods such as palm oil, margarine, coffee, and Ukrainian grain — an essential component of global food security which Indonesia continues to support.
Cooperation is also deepening in socio-cultural, education and people-to-people contacts. A number of important initiatives throughout 2025 are among other the opening of the Indonesian Cultural Studies Centre at Mykola Gogol State University in Nizhyn; the signing multiple documents of cooperation between various higher education institutions in Indonesia and Ukraine, such as Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, the National Academy of Arts and Culture Management, NGO Ukrainian Initiative and Podillia State University; as well as media and scholarly exchanges.
In this opportunity, let me express Indonesia’s deep appreciation to Ukraine for its support, and to all those who continue to build bridges of cooperation. Whether in political, economic and trade, education, culture, or people-to-people, our ties grow stronger, enriched by exchange and shared values.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
This year, under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia has launched important national programs, including the Program Makan Bergizi Gratis — the Free Nutritious Meals Program — to strengthen human capital from the earliest age, and the Danantara Sovereign Wealth Fund to attract long-term investments in priority sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, technology, agriculture, and high value-added industries.
These initiatives reflect our focus on sustainable development and inclusive growth — principles we also bring into our international partnerships. As we look ahead to Indonesia’s centennial in 2045, our vision remains clear: a sovereign, advanced, prosperous nation, contributing to a better world for all. We look forward to deepening our bilateral relations in trade, education, culture, and global diplomacy.
As the world faces various challenges, from economic uncertainties to security concerns, Indonesia reaffirms its dedication to international cooperation, peace, and stability. Together with our partners around the globe, including Ukraine, we seek pathways for mutual growth and collective progress. Let us seize this moment to renew our collective aspiration: to see a world that is more peaceful, more open, more just.
Above all, I sincerely hope that peace will soon prevail in Ukraine, bringing stability and prosperity to its people, and opening even greater opportunities for cooperation between our nations.
Distinguished guests,
On behalf of the government and people of Indonesia, I thank you for joining us to commemorate this joyful anniversary. Let this evening be a celebration of unity, hope, and friendship.
Dirgahayu Indonesia! Slava Ukraina!
Thank you.