Indonesia yesterday celebrated the 80th anniversary of its independence — a milestone that recalls the proclamation of freedom on August 17, 1945, by President Soekarno and Dr. Mohammad Hatta.
More than a commemoration of the end of colonial rule, the occasion is honoured as a sacred symbol of resilience, unity, and progress, marking Indonesia’s transformation into the world’s third-largest democracy, the largest Muslim-majority nation, and one of Asia’s most dynamic economies.
In a statement to mark the anniversary, H.E. Paskal A.B. Rois, Honorary Consul of Indonesia in Ghana, reflected on the nation’s remarkable journey over the past eight decades.
Honorary Consul of Indonesia in Ghana
“Indonesia has grown to become a diverse and vibrant nation, rich in culture and opportunity. This milestone is not just about independence from colonialism, but about development, peace, and global cooperation,” he said.
Ghana–Indonesia Solidarity
H.E. Rois also highlighted the enduring bonds between Ghana and Indonesia, forged during the era of independence struggles and strengthened at the historic Bandung Conference of 1955, where leaders like President Soekarno and Dr. Kwame Nkrumah stood together to champion freedom, equality, and South-South cooperation.
That solidarity has since evolved into a broad-based partnership spanning diplomacy, trade, culture, and education.
Notably, Indonesia is supporting Ghana’s first vaccine production initiative through a collaboration between its state-owned Bio Farma and Ghana’s Atlantic Life Sciences. Knowledge transfer and training are already underway, laying the foundation for enhanced self-sufficiency in healthcare.
Investment in Education
Indonesia continues to provide fully funded scholarships to Ghanaian students across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. For the 2025 academic year, seven Ghanaian students have been awarded the prestigious KNB Fully Funded Indonesian Scholarship, with the government of Indonesia covering all costs including tuition, airfare, visas, accommodation, and stipends.
“This is more than an investment in education — it is a bridge of people-to-people connection that will shape the future of Ghana–Indonesia relations,” H.E. Rois noted.
Expanding Cooperation
Looking to the future, the Honorary Consul underscored Indonesia’s readiness to deepen collaboration with Ghana in key areas such as trade, investment, agriculture, aviation, energy, digital innovation, and education. Both nations, he said, serve as strategic gateways — Ghana to West Africa and Indonesia to Southeast Asia — making closer cooperation mutually beneficial.
Honorary Consul of Indonesia in Ghana
He also welcomed the appointment of H.E. Bambang Suharto, the new Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria with concurrent accreditation to Ghana and other West African nations, expressing optimism that ties will be further strengthened under his leadership.
A Shared Vision
Reaffirming the Consulate’s commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation, H.E. Rois extended his warmest congratulations to the government and people of Indonesia:
“May the red and white flag continue to fly high as a symbol of freedom, unity, and progress. And may the friendship between Ghana and Indonesia continue to grow stronger, fulfilling the dreams of our founding fathers and inspiring generations to come.”
Published Message by:
H.E. Paskal A.B. Rois
Honorary Consul of Indonesia in Ghana