Ambassador Simamora highlights Indonesia’s growing engagement in the region during celebrations to mark 50 Years of relations with Fiji
By MONIKA SINGH
THE Indonesian Government is keen to enhance its partnership with the Pacific region, which demonstrates a stronger commitment to fostering closer ties, says the Ambassador of Indonesia to Fiji, Dupito Simamora.
Mr Simamora conveyed this message to guests at the embassy’s “Pacific Cultural Night – the Harmony for the Pacific” diplomatic reception at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva last week.
According to the embassy, the cultural night was an opportunity for curators and artists of seven members of Pacific Islands Forum and Indonesia to meet, discuss, share and practise together both in Indonesia and in Fiji.
Describing the event as a “true Pacific collaboration and celebration”, Mr Simamora said the cultural exchange aimed to build lasting relationships, promote goodwill, encourage peaceful interactions between nations, and respect for each other’s values. It reminded that all partners and parties can and should be in harmony with and in the Pacific, he said.
“However, we cannot forget that even though we are divided into separate sovereign countries, our humanity, solidarity, and fraternity transcend borders,” he added.
2050 Blue Pacific Strategy
Mr Simamora highlighted a follow-up meeting in Jakarta recently to build up on the 2023 agreement between the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariats.
He said that at the meeting, Indonesia reaffirmed its dedication to utilising all relevant channels to strengthen cooperation, including its role as an associate member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
“The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific will remain central to Indonesia’s engagement with the region moving forward,” said Mr Simamora.
Mr Simamora also praised the longstanding Fiji-Indonesia relationship. He said that 50 years ago, in 1974, Indonesia and Fiji embarked on a historic journey together by establishing diplomatic relations, marking it Indonesia’s first official engagement in the Pacific region.
He said this was the beginning of a partnership built on equality, respect, and shared values, laying the foundation for decades of collaboration between the two nations.
“Shortly after 1974, both countries played a key role in the adoption of the UNCLOS 1982. In December 1982, Indonesia and Fiji were among the first five countries to qualify as archipelagic states.
“This was a proud moment for both nations, recognising our waters between the islands as sovereign archipelagic waters.”
The ambassador highlighted that both Indonesia and Fiji, as fellow democracies, were active in global arena and regional cooperation.
“Suva and Jakarta serve as capitals of the Pacific Islands Forum and ASEAN, leading regional collaboration.”
Through these institutions, Mr Simamora said both countries continued to shape regional cooperation, addressing shared challenges and fostering development across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
Indonesia-Fiji collaboration
“Over the last 50 years, Indonesia and Fiji have collaborated in many fields, including education, health, fisheries, agriculture, and security.
“This year, we’ve had important visits from both sides, notably the President of Fiji and the Speaker of Fiji Parliament to Indonesia.”
Mr Simamora further highlighted some upcoming projects, including work on narcotic drugs, a regional agricultural center in Rakiraki, and a sustainable bamboo industry, with further potential to be explored in the partnership.
He highlighted the establishment of the Fiji-Indonesia Friendship Association aimed at building stronger bilateral ties.
Indonesian history
As Indonesia and its people look forward to welcoming a new government in less than a few months’ time, Mr Simamora shared some key moments of the country since its independence 79 years ago.
He highlighted the struggles and challenges that people went through in their fight for independence, and their resilience, as they united to prevent recolonisation and gain international recognition of their independence.
“We also sought support from the United Nations, where the Security Council debated Indonesia’s case from 1946 to 1949. In total, 13 resolutions were passed by the Council on Indonesia. Finally, in 1950, Indonesia became a member of the United Nations.”
Mr Simamora said Indonesia’s growth trajectory continues.
“With this history, Indonesia deeply values its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We also honor and respect the sovereignty of other nations.”
Fiji’s Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu was the Guest of Honor at the event.
Also present at the reception were ministers and Members of Parliament, Fiji Government officials, ambassadors and high commissioners, diplomatic corps, academics, Indonesians from Jakarta and Fiji, curators, artists, entrepreneurs and chefs from the Pacific and Indonesia.
