The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Bosnia and Herzegovina marked Indonesia’s 81st Independence Anniversary with a reception attended by representatives of state institutions, the diplomatic corps, international organizations, the business and academic communities, and friends of Indonesia.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of Indonesia to Bosnia and Herzegovina Manahan M.P. Sitompul welcomed the guests and expressed his gratitude for their presence and continued friendship and cooperation with Indonesia.
“Selamat Malam,” the Ambassador said, emphasizing that Indonesia’s independence represents much more than an important date in the country’s history. He described it as a reflection of a nation built on diversity, strengthened by unity and driven by an aspiration to contribute to peace and prosperity.
He noted that more than 280 million people live across Indonesia’s thousands of islands, representing hundreds of ethnic groups, languages and traditions. Despite this extraordinary diversity, he said, Indonesians share a common national identity and a belief that diversity should connect rather than divide people.
Under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia continues to pursue an active and constructive role internationally, with a focus on peace, cooperation, economic resilience and national prosperity, the Ambassador said.
“At a time when the world is facing increasing uncertainty and division, Indonesia believes that dialogue and cooperation remain crucial,” Sitompul said, stressing Indonesia’s commitment to friendship and partnerships that bring concrete benefits to peoples.
The Ambassador also highlighted the longstanding relations between Indonesia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, describing them as warm and constructive and based on mutual respect, goodwill and trust.
“Personally, it has been just over a year since I arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina. During that time, I have had the privilege of getting to know this beautiful country and meeting many of its citizens. Yet, I feel there is still much to discover and much that our countries can explore together,” he said.
According to Sitompul, diplomacy is not merely about relations between governments but, above all, about relationships between people.
He expressed particular gratitude to members of the diplomatic corps and international organizations, representatives of the business and academic communities, the media and friends of Indonesia for their friendship, support and cooperation.
“The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Sarajevo will always remain open and ready for cooperation, the exchange of ideas, connecting people, and launching new initiatives that can further bring our countries and peoples closer together,” he said.
The reception also offered guests an opportunity to experience Indonesian culture through traditional music and dances, the angklung and Indonesian cuisine.
The Ambassador said the celebration was intended not only to mark Indonesia’s independence, but also to offer guests an opportunity to discover more about the Southeast Asian country.
“As Indonesia marks 81 years of independence, we look confidently toward the future, while remaining committed to friendship, dialogue, cooperation, and peace,” Sitompul said.
He added that Indonesia deeply values Bosnia and Herzegovina as a friend and partner and expressed hope for even closer relations between the two countries, “not only between our governments but, above all, between our peoples.”
The Ambassador concluded by thanking the institutions and people of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the friendship extended to Indonesia.
