As we mark 40 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Brunei in 2024, our partnership has grown stronger, marked by important events and increased cooperation, said Charge d’Affaires ad Interim of the Indonesian Embassy in Brunei Darussalam Irwan Iding on behalf of Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Dr Achmad Ubaedillah during the diplomatic reception dinner to mark the 79th anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day on Tuesday.
“Just two days ago, 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 attended the inauguration of Indonesia’s new president,” he said. “Earlier this year, former President Joko Widodo visited Brunei for a royal wedding, reflecting the close ties between our nations.”
He added, “This year has also seen improved air travel with a new flight route between Jakarta and Bandar Seri Begawan, operated by Indonesia Air Asia, which aims to boost trade and tourism.
“Education highlights the collaboration between the two countries, with over 30 delegations from Indonesian universities visiting Brunei for partnerships in exchanges and joint research.
“I am confident that Brunei and Indonesia will have much more to gain in the field of education in the years ahead,” Irwan Iding said.
He shared that “between 2018 and 2022, Indonesia and Brunei trade increased annually with the bilateral trade volume close to USD1 billion in 2022.
He noted that despite a drop last year, “the trade volume in the first seven months of this year is already bigger than the same period last year”.
Deputy Minister (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Mohd Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos, the guest of honour, was welcomed by a paduppa dance.
The event concluded with the cutting of a tumpeng rice cake and cultural performances. – Lyna Mohamad
