People-to-people exchanges urged in China-Indonesia relations

Senior Indonesian and Chinese diplomats have expressed optimism on Tuesday that relations between the two countries will become stronger in the future, not only economically and politically but also in people-to-people connectivity.

They based their optimism on what the two countries have achieved over many years, which leads to the 75th anniversary of China-Indonesia diplomatic relations. The two countries forged diplomatic relations in 1950, five years after Indonesia proclaimed its independence and one year after the People's Republic of China was established.

"This year, marks not only the 75th anniversary of our relations, but also the 70th Bandung Conference. So this year holds special significance in our bilateral relations," Wang Lutong, Chinese ambassador to Indonesia said in his speech in a ceremony held in Jakarta to announce winners of the "75 Years Indonesia-China: Logo Design Competition."

Hundreds of artists and designers from China and Indonesia, including 600 people from the latter, had taken part in the competition.

"As key partners we have maintained very close collaboration and coordination on international and regional issues," Wang said.

Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun, also speaking on the occasion, agrees with Ambassador Wang. He said this year holds the best momentum in the relationship between China and Indonesia.

He mentioned the rapid development in bilateral economic relations over the past 10 years, which he said has benefited the Indonesian people.

He said economic cooperation between the two countries could double in 10-20 years from now.

On people-to-people cooperation, the Indonesian ambassador expects more vocational training established in Indonesia, in conjunction with Indonesia's target of achieving its golden year in 2045.

Dino Patti Djalal, founder of Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia that initiated the logo competition, said the local design competition for the 75th anniversary of China-Indonesia diplomatic relations is a testament to the strong and enduring partnership that China and Indonesia have achieved over the years.

He lauded the two countries for building people-to-people connectivity as seen among others through the rapid increase in the number of young Indonesians studying in China. This year, he said, about 10,000 Indonesians are pursuing higher education in China.

"There is no other choice. Both of us, Indonesia and China have to strengthen our relationship based on three pillars: politics and security, economic development and people-to-people (connectivity)," said Dino, who is the former ambassador to the US and former deputy foreign minister.

The logo competition gathering took place at the library section of the Istiqlal Mosque, Southeast Asia's largest.

First winner in the logo competition was Martha Cahya Saputra, a freelance graphic designer from Bandung West Java. He received a Rp 12 million award.

Irene Yuniarti and Akhmad Zulfikar Al Ghivani came in second and third. They come from Bandung and Lumajang, in East Java, respectively.

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.