National Day Message by H. E. Mr. Iwan Bogananta, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to the Republic of Bulgaria

Today, 17 August 2022, all of Indonesian people celebrate the 77th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. The number of 77 is a beautiful number and my country is optimistic about welcoming the 100th Anniversary of Indonesia (Indonesia Gold) in 2045.

All countries around the world are currently facing tough challenges. The health crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic has not yet fully recovered. The world economy has not yet fully restored. War broke out in Ukraine, and the food crisis, energy crisis, and financial crisis were inevitable.

The challenges are not easy for the world and also not easy for Indonesia. All this must be faced with caution, with vigilance. Nevertheless, amid tough challenges, Indonesia is one of the countries that have overcome the global crisis.

Indonesia is one of the countries that have overcome COVID-19 pandemic, and one of five countries with the highest vaccination rate in the world, with 432 million vaccine doses injected.

Inflation was also successfully controlled in the range of 4.9 percent. This figure is far below the ASEAN average inflation which is around 7 percent. Far below the inflation of developed countries which is around 9 percent. In fact, in the first half of 2022, the surplus was around IDR 364 trillion.

In addition, the economy managed to grow positively at 5.44 percent in the second quarter of 2022. The trade balance was also in surplus for 27 consecutive months, and in the first half of 2022 the surplus was around Rp. 364 trillion. Indonesia's economic fundamentals remain strong in the midst of a global economic turbulence.

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic that has hit the entire world, the Indonesian nation has shown itself to be a formidable nation. Indonesia's first strength is unity. Indonesia's second strength is its abundant natural resources. The third strength is the demographic bonus. The very large population, and dominated by young people of productive age, as well as the increasing purchasing power of the people, will become the driving force of the national economy in facing global competition. The fourth strength is the sharp increase in international trust. Indonesia was accepted by Russia and also accepted by Ukraine as a bridge to peace. Accepted by big countries, even though geopolitics is hot.

Indonesia is also appointed by the United Nations as a Champions from the Global Crisis Response Group for handling global crises, both food crises, energy crises and financial crises. And this year, Indonesia becomes President of the G20, the organization of the 20 largest economies in the world. It indicates that Indonesia top the global leadership and has a great opportunity to promote international cooperation.

There are 5 (five) major agendas that have been set by the President of the Republic of Indonesia Ir. H. Joko Widodo for the realization of Advanced Indonesia. First, the downstreaming and industrialization of natural resources must continue. Second, apart from downstreaming, Indonesia continue to improve the optimization of clean energy sources and the green economy. Third, legal, social, political, and economic protection for the people must continue to be strengthened. The fulfillment of civil rights and democratic practices, the political rights of women and marginalized groups, must continue to be guaranteed. The law must be enforced fairly, without discrimination. Security, social order and political stability are key. A sense of security and a sense of justice must be guaranteed by the state, especially by law enforcement and judicial institutions. Likewise, eradicating corruption also continues to be a top priority.

Fourth, MSMEs must continue to be supported so that they can immediately advance to class. 19 million MSMEs have entered the digital ecosystem and it is targeted that 30 million MSMEs will enter the digital ecosystem by 2024. Fifth, the sustainable development of the capital city (IKN) of the archipelago must be maintained. IKN is not only for state civil apparatus, but also for innovators and entrepreneurs. The city is not only house government offices, but also the driving force of the new economy. Not an ordinary city, but a jungle city with world-class education and health services. The construction of the Central Core of the Government Area is indeed financed by the State Budget. However, 80% of private investors are invited to participate.

With the great strengths and opportunities that Indonesia has, Indonesia has a great opportunity to build a country that is inclusive, just and sustainable. All of these agendas must be supported by excellent Indonesian people. Noble character, Pancasila ideology, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, and patriotism are the main pillars.

Indonesian democracy must be more mature, and the national consolidation must be strengthened. The Indonesian Government extend gratitude to the ulemas, religious figures, public figures as well as cultural bearers, who have given their contribution to strengthen the national values and to maintain the nation’s unity and integrity. The Indonesian Government also continue to maintain and to build democracy in order to reinforce the State Ideology. The Indonesian people are united for an Advanced Indonesia. Indonesia recovers faster, rises stronger.

Long Live the Republic of Indonesia!

Long Live the Land of Pancasila!

Independence! 

 *The content, positions, and facts of this speech are taken from President Joko Widodo’s Independence Day speech, 16 August 2022.

The photos are provided by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to the Republic of Bulgaria.