Indonesian Ambassador hails country’s ties with PH at media luncheon

More than his colorful batik shirt, it was Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Agus Widjojo's humor that made a lasting impression during a media luncheon hosted by the Embassy in Manila on Tuesday.

When asked about how to further strengthen Indonesia and the Philippines' 70-year-old relations, his Excellency jokingly said, "This is a never-ending question. If this year is stronger you will still have another question: how can you make it stronger for next year."

At the event, attended by key embassy officials and members of the media, the ambassador was quick to add that he sees the importance of communication between nations to grow together.

"Closer interaction with people-to-people relations and better communications so that we can understand each other, and of course enhancing the level of and professional relationship that we have in trade, in economy, in politics," he said. "That's the way, the direction that we grow."

Indonesia would also like to build on its trading relations with the Philippines. According to Widjojo, in 2025 the trade value between the two countries reached US$12.5 million, making Indonesia the sixth biggest trading partner of the Philippines and the fourth biggest import source for the country. "The embassy of Indonesia in Manila also encourages more exports from the Philippines to Indonesia to enhance economic cooperation and promote better trade," he added.

Last May, the two countries also signed a memorandum of cooperation to strengthen their collaboration in healthcare.

With global challenges, the ambassador pointed out the need for creativity and innovation to transform these challenges into opportunities, and to work together.

"There would be competitors outside and it's better for us if we blend in together and make a stronger economic entity. It would put us into a better position competitively with other stronger nations in the region," he said. "We have to make those challenges into opportunities and the opportunities in how the commonalities, the things in common that we have could be made into a strong, concrete entity."

Widjojo also reminded media of its important role in strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries. "Our public diplomacy without media will be impossible. You have the power to amplify our message effectively and then shape public opinion. That's why personal values and professional integrity is of utmost importance in journalism profession." — BM, GMA Integrated News