Brunei and Indonesia have the potential to expand economic cooperation as data from the past four years showed an increase in trade by 79.18 per cent, with Indonesia currently being the sixth biggest trading partner of Brunei.
This was shared by Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Dr Achmad Ubaedillah, in his welcoming remarks at the diplomatic reception to commemorate the 78th Independence Day of Indonesia last night.
“I will do my part in enhancing this relationship. My focus will be on expanding the halal industry between Indonesia and Brunei since I see enormous potential for cooperation in this field, such as in Islamic banking and halal products,” said the ambassador.
He also mentioned that the defence and military cooperation between the two countries that have grown significantly with a great deal of cooperation has been expanded, not only in the areas of interests such as joint exercises and exchange of information, but also in defence science and technology, defence industry, and education.
The reception at the Songket Ballroom of The Rizqun International Hotel was attended by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof and spouse, Datin Hajah Kalshom binti Haji Suhaili as the guests of honour.
Socio-cultural exchanges between Indonesia and Brunei are equally noteworthy, said the ambassador, as this year alone, there has been a spike in education cooperation between both countries where no less than 20 Indonesia’s universities’ rectors visited and agreed on cooperation with signed agreements with universities in Brunei.
Those achievements are a testimony to the ever-growing ties, and both countries will have much more to gain from bilateral relations in the years ahead, added the ambassador.
There are more than 22,000 Indonesian workers in the Sultanate, and many have considered the Sultanate as their second home, and the embassy’s main priority is to keep them safe, he added.
“In this context, I would like to express on behalf of my government my highest appreciation to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the attention and support extended to Indonesians, which has made our task in protecting our citizens much easier.”
The reception was enlivened with traditional dance performances from various regions in Indonesia, as well as musical performances using angklung, one of the traditional musical instruments in Indonesia.
The lively performance was showcased by the cultural delegation from East Java province of Indonesia, led by Vice-Regent of Blitar Regency Rakhmat Santoso. Two other traditional dances featuring two Bruneian dancers led by Indonesian dancer Dewi Irawan, an international student at Universiti Brunei Darussalam and a family member of one of the embassy’s senior officials, were also showcased. A lucky draw session was also held. – Lyna Mohamad
