AS the peak of the celebration of 40 Years of Diplomatic Relations between Indonesia and Ireland, the Indonesian Embassy in London held a Diplomatic Reception on Monday (21/10) at the National Concert Hall (NCH) Dublin, which is considered The Home of Music in Ireland.
“40 years ago was a very different situation where the geographical distance between our two countries felt very far,” said Chairman of the Oireachtas (Parliamentary) Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense, Charles Flanagan, as Alex Reed of Honor in his speech.
“However, currently, we can feel how close we are, for example, many Indonesian students choose to study in Ireland,” he continued.
The two countries also emphasized the same position on various important issues at the global level, such as upholding world peace and women’s empowerment.
The same thing was also conveyed in the speech of the Indonesian Ambassador, Desra Believe, who highlighted the strengthening of cooperation between the two countries, including in the field of arts and culture.
“Irish musicians are of course very well known to the Indonesian public, even the music group The Corrs and other Irish singers often perform in Indonesia,” he said.
Strengthening arts and culture cooperation is also reflected in the appearance of the National Concert Hall Gamelan Orchestra. Under the leadership of Peter Moran, this gamelan group, whose members are all Irish citizens, uses a gamelan set gifted by Sultan Hamengkubuwono X to NCH Dublin in 2014.
The display at the reception marking the 10th anniversary of the gamelan’s gift, which was special, was also attended by representatives of the Yogyakarta palace.
This diplomatic reception was attended by no less than 200 guests from the Irish government, diplomatic corps, Indonesian Honorary Consul, business circles, academia, the Indonesian diaspora and PPI Ireland.
The presentation of the tumpeng cutting tradition, the Balinese Kembang Girang dance, and the performance of Ambassador Desra with his saxophone, brought the atmosphere of the homeland to Ireland.
The 40th Anniversary of Indonesia-Ireland Diplomatic Relations has begun with the launch of the logo by Ambassador Desra and the Irish Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia Padraig Francis in May with the celebration theme: “Our Peoples, Our Connections, Our Future”.
As part of a series of celebrations, the Indonesian Embassy in collaboration with Asia Matters also held the “Indonesia-Ireland Financial Services and Investment Partnership Roundtable” business forum on October 21 2024.
The forum brought together local business circles with representatives of Bank Indonesia London, Bank Mandiri London, and BNI London to discuss potential investment and financial services collaboration.
On this occasion, Ambassador Desra emphasized the commitment of the new Indonesian government to increase cooperation in the fields of green and blue economy, energy, digital and fintech.
The series of celebrations in Dublin closed with the Ambassador’s Lecture which raised the theme of strengthening the role of the two countries in the regional and international arena, including the role of Ireland in the European Union and Indonesia in ASEAN and the G20, as well as the potential for cooperation between the two countries in the health sector at the Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI ) on October 22, 2024. (Z-1)
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**Interview with Ambassador Desra Believe on 40 Years of Diplomatic Relations between Indonesia and Ireland**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Ambassador Believe. The recent diplomatic reception at the National Concert Hall in Dublin was a significant milestone. How do you feel the 40-year relationship between Indonesia and Ireland has evolved over the years?
**Ambassador Believe:** Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss this important anniversary. Over the past 40 years, we’ve built a relationship that transcends geographical distances. Initially, there was little interaction, but now we see a vibrant exchange of culture, education, and trade. The increase in Indonesian students studying in Ireland is a testament to this closer connection.
**Editor:** It’s interesting to hear about the educational ties between the two nations. Could you elaborate on some specific areas where both countries have collaborated?
**Ambassador Believe:** Certainly! One key area is the arts and culture. The performance by the National Concert Hall Gamelan Orchestra at our reception showcased the rich cultural exchange between us. This gamelan orchestra, composed entirely of Irish citizens, was formed with a gamelan set gifted to Ireland back in 2014. Such initiatives strengthen our cultural heritage and promote mutual appreciation of our art forms.
**Editor:** In your speech, you also mentioned shared values, particularly regarding world peace and women’s empowerment. Can you expand on that relationship?
**Ambassador Believe:** Absolutely. Both Indonesia and Ireland have consistently advocated for world peace and the empowerment of women on global platforms. We share common ground in promoting these values, and it’s vital for countries to stand united in addressing these pressing issues. Our diplomatic discussions often reflect this alignment, pushing for collaborative efforts in these areas.
**Editor:** The event attracted a diverse group of attendees. How do you see the role of the Indonesian diaspora and academia in furthering these bilateral relations?
**Ambassador Believe:** The Indonesian diaspora in Ireland plays a crucial role in fostering connections between our countries. They are cultural ambassadors in their own right, creating networks that facilitate exchange and understanding. Additionally, collaboration with academic institutions enhances research and innovation, further building bridges between our societies.
**Editor:** Lastly, as we look to the future, what are your hopes for the next chapter of Indonesia-Ireland relations?
**Ambassador Believe:** My hope is that we continue to deepen our cooperation, not just in arts and culture, but also in trade, education, and global issues like climate change. Celebrating our achievements together sets a strong foundation for what I believe will be an even more fruitful partnership in the years to come.
**Editor:** Thank you, Ambassador Believe, for sharing your insights on this significant anniversary. It’s inspiring to see how far both nations have come together.
**Ambassador Believe:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this memorable celebration!
Ently advocated for global peace and women’s empowerment on international platforms. Our shared commitment to these values has laid a strong foundation for our diplomatic relations. We aim to promote these ideals not only within our borders but also as a collaborative effort in global forums such as the United Nations and regional partnerships.
**Editor:** It sounds like there are exciting opportunities for growth. What are some future areas that you see for collaboration between Indonesia and Ireland?
**Ambassador Believe:** We’re particularly focused on enhancing cooperation in the fields of the green and blue economies, energy, digital innovation, and fintech. The recent business forum we held aimed at exploring these areas and nurturing investment opportunities is a testament to that commitment. As both nations prioritize sustainability and technological advancement, I believe we have significant potential to work together.
**Editor:** That’s very promising. could you share your thoughts on the significance of the 40th-anniversary celebrations and what they mean for the future of Indonesia-Ireland relations?
**Ambassador Believe:** This anniversary is not just a celebration of our past achievements, but a commitment to what lies ahead. It’s a chance to reflect on our journey while embracing the future, reinforcing our people-to-people connections, and exploring new avenues for partnership. We envision a relationship that evolves, adapts, and flourishes in an ever-changing global landscape.
**Editor:** Thank you, Ambassador Believe, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the Indonesia-Ireland relationship is poised for a bright future.
**Ambassador Believe:** Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing our relationship continue to grow and flourish in the years to come.
