(AseanAll) — "Friends of Indonesia is an important partner for the Indonesian Government in strengthening Indonesia's relations with friendly nations. Therefore, it is time to establish a forum to support the presence of Friends of Indonesia in South Korea," emphasized Acting Indonesian Ambassador to Seoul, Zelda Wulan Kartika, in her speech at the "Friends of Indonesia" Symposium themed "Beyond 50 Years of Indonesia-ROK Bilateral Relationship: How do Friends of Indonesia or Indonesianists in Korea Play an Important Role in Fostering Indonesia-Korea Bilateral Relationship," organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul on October 30,2024 at the Indonesian Ambassador’s Residence in Seoul.
The Acting Ambassador of Indonesia in Seoul also underlined that there are at least two key roles for Friends of Indonesia in South Korea: as a voice to represent Indonesia in South Korea and as contributors of ideas and insights in the formulation of Indonesian foreign policy.
Kim Min Seok, a senior member of the South Korean Parliament and Vice Chair of the Korea-Indonesia Parliamentary Friendship Committee, also attended and delivered remarks at the symposium. "I warmly welcome the organization of the ‘Friends of Indonesia’ Symposium and the presence of Indonesianists in South Korea, who serve as a bridge for bilateral relations and as cultural ambassadors for both nations," Kim Min Seok stated.
The “Friends of Indonesia” Symposium was attended by around 40 South Korean citizens with expertise, interest, or special connections to Indonesia. Participants came from diverse backgrounds, including academia, the arts, influencers, business, cultural foundations, NGOs, and media.
This event was initiated by the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul to embrace and strengthen the presence of South Koreans with a particular interest in Indonesia, in line with the growing interest among South Koreans in various aspects of Indonesia. Through this event, the Embassy aims to establish a forum that brings together these Friends of Indonesia. In the future, this network of Friends of Indonesia is expected to synergize with the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul and the Indonesian Government to strengthen friendship and enrich the Special Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
The symposium opened with a traditional Benggong dance performance from East Nusa Tenggara by the Indonesian Traditional Dance Group in Korea, featuring a South Korean citizen as one of the dancers.
During the Talk Show session, three South Korean academics—Yekyoum Kim (Busan University of Foreign Studies), Lee Jaehoon (Daejin University), and Je Seong Jeon (President of the Korean Association of Southeast Asian Studies/KASEAS and Director of the Institute for Southeast Asian Studies/JISEAS)—shared their backgrounds of interest in Indonesia and their views on the current and future bilateral relations. All three believe that the relationship and cooperation between the two countries will continue to strengthen in various sectors.
In response to the Indonesian Embassy's initiative, Yekyoum Kim, on behalf of the attendees, declared the formation of the Friends of Indonesia Society in South Korea. The forum is expected to foster mutual understanding, facilitate people-to-people connections, and enhance the friendship between South Korea and Indonesia.
During the Symposium, the Acting Indonesian Ambassador in Seoul presented awards to three Friends of Indonesia in Korea who have played significant roles in fostering friendship between the two nations. The three individuals are Je Seong Jeon, Head of KASEAS and JISEAS; Yekyoum Kim, Director of the Indonesia Center at BUFS; and Yang Seung Yoon, Emeritus Professor from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Seoul.
The symposium also featured a documentation exhibition from the “Korea Cia-Cia Culture Exchange Association,” which has provided educational support, including the construction of schools and the supply of teachers for the Cia-Cia tribe in Bau-Bau City, South Sulawesi, which uses Hangul script.
Additionally, around 50 books on Indonesia written or published by Korean academics were displayed along with paintings of Indonesia by Nuradi Noeri, a former Indonesian diplomat currently residing in South Korea. The event concluded with a luncheon featuring Indonesian cuisine.
