29 December 2014 - In celebration of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of relations between the Philippines and Indonesia, the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta, in cooperation with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Museum Perumusan Naskah Proklamasi, and ANTARA, launched a photo exhibit entitled “Mabuhay! Merdeka!: Snapshots of 65 Years of Philippines-Indonesia Friendship” on December 22 at the Museum Perumusan Naskah Proklamasi at Jalan Imam Bonjol No. 1, Jakarta Pusat.
The exhibit features photographs highlighting the warm relations between the two countries, including pictures of interactions between leaders, cultural exchanges, humanitarian assistance, among others. The exhibit will run until December 31.
In his message, Philippine Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Roberto G. Manalo noted that the exhibit is the culmination of a series of events celebrating 65 years of friendship between the Philippines and Indonesia. Food festivals showcasing Philippine cuisine were held at the Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta in September and Hotel Borobodur in October. In November, an Investment Conference was held to explore business opportunities and expand partnerships between the two countries.
Chargé d’Affaires Manalo emphasized that in 65 years of bilateral relations, the two countries had never gone through any serious disagreements or conflicts. He added that this year is particularly notable with the state visit of then Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to Manila in May and the visit of Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III to Bali in October to co-chair the Seventh Bali Democracy Forum. During their visits, each one conferred to the other the highest recognitions given to state officials: the Order of Sikatuna, with the Rank of Raja, to President Yudhoyono, and the Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna to President Aquino.
Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary-General Yohanes Kristiarto Soeryo Legowo shared his fond memories of his stay in the Philippines during his assignment as Indonesian Ambassador from 2010 to 2013. He noted that the photos being exhibited are testament to the deep friendship between the Philippines and Indonesia over the past 65 years. He expressed his fervent hope that this brotherhood remains strong in the coming years. Ambassador Legowo is an awardee of the Order of Sikatuna, with the Rank of Datu, conferred on him by President Aquino.
The Philippines and Indonesia formally established relations on November 24, 1949 with the opening of the Philippine Consulate General in Jakarta. END