Indonesia's 81st Independence Day Anniversary: A Sovereign, Just and Prosperous Future Together
By H.E. Hari Prabowo, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Thailand
As Indonesia commemorates the 81st Anniversary of its Independence, we celebrate not only the historic Proclamation of 17 August 1945, but also the values that continue to shape our nation’s journey. This year’s theme, “Indonesia Berdaulat, Adil, dan Makmur” (A Sovereign, Just and Prosperous Indonesia), reflects our aspiration to build a progressive, inclusive and forward-looking democracy that contributes positively to the international community.
For Indonesia, this journey has always been closely connected with Thailand. Bangkok was the seat of Indonesia’s first diplomatic mission overseas, the Indonesian Office (INDOFF), established in 1947 to secure international recognition of Indonesia’s independence. When the Dutch recognized Indonesia’s sovereignty in 1949, around 1,000 Indonesians gathered at the small office in Silom to celebrate. INDOFF subsequently evolved into the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Bangkok.
It is therefore truly fitting for me to begin by conveying our profound gratitude to Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand, the Royal Thai Government and the people of Thailand for being close and trusted friends of Indonesia from the very beginning.
I am heartened that this partnership continues to grow stronger. Last year, Indonesia and Thailand elevated bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership during President Prabowo Subianto’s State Visit to Thailand. This was further advanced by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s Official Visit to Jakarta on 3–4 August 2026, which launched the Roadmap of the Indonesia–Thailand Strategic Partnership 2026–2030, translating our shared commitment into concrete action. The visit was historically significant as the first official bilateral visit by a Thai Prime Minister to Indonesia in 15 years, while the warm reception he received reflected the enduring friendship between our peoples.
Today, Indonesia and Thailand cooperate across a broad and expanding agenda. Trade, investment, and tourism continue to grow while connectivity is improving. The Prime Minister’s visit was followed by the launch of two additional direct flights between Jakarta and Bangkok by an Indonesian airline, whose inaugural flight I had the pleasure of taking on 6 August 2026. More routes soon to follow, including between Bali and Phuket. Cooperation is also deepening in education, culture, agro-industry, energy, health, the digital economy, defence, maritime, and the halal ecosystem. At the heart of this partnership, however, are our people-to-people ties. These connections remind us that diplomacy, at its core, is about bringing people closer and improving lives.
This growing partnership also reflects Indonesia’s broader progress. Despite global uncertainty, our economy grew by 5.61% in the first quarter of this year while foreign direct investment increased by 8.5% year-on-year. We continue to pursue industrial downstreaming, accelerate biofuel development towards B50 and expand renewable energy and the EV battery ecosystem. At the same time, our young population and rapidly growing digital economy are driving innovation, including in artificial intelligence, while the nationwide free school meals programme invests in the health and future of our next generation.
Indonesia’s progress is accompanied by an active global role. Guided by our constitutional mandate and well renowned Politik Luar Negeri Bebas Aktif (free and active foreign policy), we remain committed to promoting peace, stability and development. As a founding member of ASEAN, the G20, APEC and the Non-Aligned Movement and as a member of BRICS and an OECD Key Partner, Indonesia continues to champion effective multilateral cooperation. In 2026, Indonesia holds the presidency of the UN Human Rights Council while two prominent Indonesian women continue to serve as UN Under-Secretaries-General: Mrs. Armida Alisjahbana at UNESCAP in Bangkok and Mrs. Retno Marsudi as the UN Water Envoy.
As we celebrate our 81st Independence Day, Indonesia looks to the future with confidence and a commitment to pursue sustainable economic growth, strengthen democratic institutions and contribute actively to regional and global peace and prosperity.
I extend my warmest congratulations to all Indonesians, wherever they may be, and once again, my sincere appreciation to His Majesty King Rama X, the Royal Government of Thailand and the people of Thailand for their enduring friendship and partnership.
May our Strategic Partnership be a catalyst for greater opportunities and shared prosperity, and may the enduring bonds between Indonesia and Thailand continue to grow stronger, bringing peace and progress to our region and beyond.
Dirgahayu Republik Indonesia. Merdeka! Long Live the Republic! Freedom!
