Indonesian Embassy Hosted Reception for 70th Independence Day

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Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, the Minister of Home Affairs, H. E. Nurul Qomar, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Brunei Darussalam, and other officials cutting the cake to commemorate the Indonesia's 70th Independence Day. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF PELITA BRUNEI

Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, the Minister of Home Affairs, H. E. Nurul Qomar, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Brunei Darussalam, and other officials cutting the cake to commemorate the Indonesia’s 70th Independence Day. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF PELITA BRUNEI

GADONG, BRUNEI-MUARA: The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Brunei Darussalam yesterday hosted a reception to commemorate the country’s 70th Independence Day at the Songket Ballroom of the Rizqun International Hotel, Gadong, ©BRUDIRECT.COM reported.

Present as the guest of honour was Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, the Minister of Home Affairs, who was greeted upon arrival by H. E. Nurul Qomar, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Brunei Darussalam.

The event commenced with the singing of national anthems of Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Indonesia, followed by a recitation of prayers and a cake cutting ceremony.

In her opening remarks, the ambassador described the historical significance of Indonesia’s independence which was proclaimed in Jakarta on August 17, 1945 by two founding fathers, Sukarno and Muhammad Hatta, following the end of World War II.

She highlighted the strong and growing relationship between Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia. “Since the establishment 31 years ago, the bilateral relation and cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia have been excellent in all fields.

“His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Indonesian President Joko Widodo have paid state visits in which both nations have committed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. In February this year, Joko Widodo visited Brunei and signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Health and on Chamber of Commerce cooperation.

“His Majesty travelled to Indonesia in April 2015 to attend the 60th anniversary of Asian-African Summit, symbolising both countries’ commitments to cooperate in many fields.

“As member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and the eight other member countries are nearing the establishment of the Asean Community by end of this year,” the ambassador said.

H. E. Nurul Qomar hoped that the bilateral relations between the two nations will continue to benefit its people and promote peace and prosperity in the region. She also expressed her appreciation towards the Government and the people of Brunei Darussalam for the “warm and friendly reception towards Indonesian citizens living and working here”.