Friendly nations congratulate Indonesia on 81st Independence Day, reaffirm enduring ties
Five countries—the United States, Egypt, Germany, Poland, and Switzerland—have conveyed congratulations on the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence, with Egypt reaffirming its status as the first country to recognise Indonesia’s independence.
The United States extended its congratulations through Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the US Embassy Jakarta’s X account. Rubio underscored the enduring partnership between the two countries, rooted in a commitment to democratic governance and a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Egyptian Ambassador to Indonesia Yasser Hassan Faraq Elshemy, via the Instagram account @embassyofegypt.jakarta, conveyed congratulations on behalf of the government and people of Egypt, emphasising pride in the historical bonds between the two nations. “Egypt is very proud of the historical ties between our two nations as well as its status as the first country to recognise Indonesia’s independence,” Elshemy said. Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership and expanding cooperation for the welfare of the peoples of both countries, and wished Indonesia continued progress and success. Egypt first recognised Indonesian independence de facto on 22 March 1946, and subsequently de jure on 10 June 1947.
German Ambassador to Indonesia Ralf Beste, via the Instagram account @germanembassyjkt, highlighted the 74-year relationship between the two countries, built on mutual respect, trust, and prosperity. “We value this friendship and are confident that this cooperation will continue to grow for the progress and prosperity of both countries,” Beste said. He expressed Germany’s belief that cooperation between the two countries will continue to develop and expressed hope that the spirit of independence inspires Indonesia to continue advancing for world peace and prosperity.
Polish Ambassador to Indonesia Barbara Szymanowska, via the Instagram account @dubes_polandia, also conveyed congratulations to the government and people of Indonesia, inviting the public to celebrate Indonesia’s historical achievements and hopeful future. Szymanowska expressed hope that the friendship and cooperation between Indonesia and Poland will grow closer and bring benefits to both.
Swiss Ambassador to Indonesia Konstantin Obolensky, via the Instagram account @swissinindonesia, said that although he had only recently arrived in Indonesia, he had already felt the warmth and spirit of Indonesia and considered it an honour to celebrate 81 years of Indonesian independence. Obolensky also noted that this year marks 75 years of partnership between Indonesia and Switzerland, which he described as an extraordinary and proud journey, and expressed hope that the partnership between the two countries will continue and grow in the future.
Indonesia celebrated 81 years of independence on 17 August under the theme ‘Indonesia Berdaulat, Adil dan Makmur’ (Sovereign, Just and Prosperous Indonesia).