Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH – Its unity in diversity shapes the Republic of Indonesia’s identity today, said Indonesian Consul General Mohamad Hery Saripudin on the occasion of his country’s 72nd Independence Anniversary.

He also called for increased interaction between the Saudi and Indonesian youth.

Indonesia has a population of more than 270 million, which is consisted o over 350 ethnic groups. “We have survived and remained strong in unity thanks to our spirit of togetherness,” Saripudin said while welcoming guests to an Independence Day reception at the Indonesian Consulate General here on Thursday.

"The people and government are fully aware that to make Indonesia a prosperous, strong and united nation, the challenges ahead are several," he said, explaining the country's goals of fighting poverty, maintaining security and peace, and achieving social justice and sustainable development.

“To address those challenges, Indonesia also develops close cooperation with the international community, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said.

"There are long historical and cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia and there are potential areas to be explored to enhance the relations in the future," he said.

“I look forward to seeing the bilateral relations and cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Indonesia grow even stronger and become more productive for the betterment of the people of the two countries,” said the diplomat.

Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Saripudin said this year marked heightened diplomatic contacts between the two countries.

“The visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to Indonesia in early March was both an eye-opener and a driver for the people of Saudi Arabia and Indonesia to further forge a mutually beneficial cooperation,” he said.

On the Saudi Vision 2030, he noted that the economic reforms were positive and supported the Kingdom’s goal to become a hub for the Arab and Islamic world as well as an investment powerhouse.

Saudi Arabia and Indonesia share a common demographic feature as both countries have a majority youth population under the age of 30. “We would like to see greater interaction between the youth of the two countries. I believe that the strong relationship between the two countries can be strengthened at the youth level because they are the future leaders,” he said.

Commenting on labor export, he said the ministers of labor in both countries agreed a week earlier to set up a joint working group to discuss aspects of worker protection before reopening the channels of recruitment.