6 The Japan Times Friday, August 17, 2012 第３種郵便物認可 independence day Seizing the day for a better future

Muhammad Lutfi donesia has what it takes to live and committed to by the young- fruits on its surface, and con- The authority over these rich Ambassador of Indonesia up to the expectations. sters from , , tains all the precious minerals extensive resources does come Consisting of more than , , whether Muslim beneath. you do not see indo- with challenges for the Indone- Early in this year, The Economist 17,000 islands, the length of ar- or Christian, who speak Java- nesian mangoes, mangosteens, sian government. deemed indonesia’s economy chipelagic Indonesia from east to nese, sundanese, Manadonese, bananas, or durians abroad In 1997 we were hit, badly, as healthy and growing, while west spans 6,345 km. From hun- or Dutch. Driven by the spirit of because the domestic market by the crisis. At that time, I was heavily linked dreds of ethnicities, the people brotherhood, togetherness, and consumes all 16,000 tons of the the leader of the branch Indonesia to the speak more than 300 languages. freedom, they pledged for “one fruit commodity. ranked No. 3 of the indonesia young Entre- words such as Indonesian history goes way motherland, one nation, one in the world at 39 million tons preneurs Association, or HIPMI “fastest-grow- back to fifth century, to the time uniting language,” which echoed of rice production, indonesia Jaya. Having started my own ing” and “stabil- of the ancient Hindu-Buddhist through and fought for in a na- also consumes the staple grain business and joined the group ity.” soon after, kingdom of tarumanegara in tional revolution. We fought for domestically, with additional for networking, i witnessed the the economy of . in the 13th century, years for our freedom, through imports needed. The same con- collapse of many kinds of busi- Indonesia was the islamic sultanate of samu- tears and blood. On aug. 17, dition applies to coffee, cereals, nesses throughout indonesia. projected to el- dera Pasai in aceh grew to be 1945, when the indonesian in- tea and cocoa. The large number Many of those were small and evate to the fourth largest in the a trade center in the region. Af- dependence was proclaimed of species in our forests is said to medium-size business. these world, only after China, the U.S., terward, the great kingdom of by President and Vice exceed those in Africa, with 400 entrepreneurs, the small indus- and india. With its democratic Majapahit ruled a vast area of President Muhammad Hatta, birds and 200 mammals that live trialists who generate the econ- experience and abundant natu- Southeast asia with its power it was truly a dream come true, nowhere else in the world but omy, lost their will and spirit. ral resources, Indonesia’s sump- and prowess. a harvest of enduring battles. Indonesia. The indonesian economy tuous market of 230 million peo- And yet, from the diversity of “Carpe diem.” The minerals are well-known contracted 14 percent in 1997- Majestic: Constructed in the ninth century in Central Java, the Temple compound is ple, whose income per capita is culture and history came a unit- What lies ahead is our new in the global market. Japan of 1998. the exchange value from listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ministry of tourism and creative economy now growing at 20 percent every ed nation. I am very proud to tell dream. the independence has course is familiar with indone- U.S. dollars to Indonesian rupiah half a year, will surely make the you that the awakening moment forged new pillars for indone- sian commodities such as gas, free-fell sixfold. The intensity of Again, just as in 1928, indone- ing implemented and perfected welfare to the people. With 20 highlight of the region. for Indonesia was initiated by the sia: protection of indonesian nickel and coal, as 20 percent this phenomenon was a great sian youth was upfront in 1998 to fit Indonesian society. percent of the allocated budget Nonetheless, the resolution Indonesian youths, back in 1928. people, improvement of social of Japan’s gas supply is sourced challenge for the government, to voice the need for change, for Under the one-man-one-vote for education, more people have is not complete without hard Moved by hundreds of years welfare, intellectual achievement from indonesia. We have built and the huge pressure to carry a just and prosperous country. electoral system, prosperity has more access to media and books, work. The path to success must under dutch colonialism and and contribution to world order. mutual long-term trust and out the principle of protection We were all reminded of the pil- become the key for political hence more knowledgeable in be built, and what an arduous then Japanese occupation, Indo- These are the roots of indone- partnership in this field of com- and welfare during the crisis lars of protection, social welfare, gains as well. It is a fact that as analyzing a policy. indonesia path we have experienced in nesian youths promoted the idea sia’s policies. modity trading, and i believe was so appalling that it led to the education, and global involve- much as 80 percent of incum- scored at 0.6 in the Human De- our 67 years of independence. of a united Indonesia. In a landmass of 1.9 million that there is always room for resignation of President , ment. allocation for education bent leaders, whether governors velopment Index (HDI) in 2010, The road ahead, the homework In the Congress of Youth II on sq. km, around five times that of improvement to accommodate after 30 years in power. is now 20 percent of the national or mayors, are not voted back climbing from 0.3 in 1980. we have, must be steadied and Oct. 28, 1928, the birth of Indo- Japan, indonesia grows all the new dynamics, but foremost to This new dynamic opened the budget, mandated by the consti- to office. Why? the reason is In another sense, this capacity smoothed, and I believe that In- nesia was thoroughly discussed beautiful plants and delicious enhance this bilateral tie. door for reform for indonesia. tution. Welfare programs are be- because of the failure to bring Continued on page 7 Smooth economic growth helps Indonesians prosper

Yasuo Fukuda occasion of this commemorative topped $3,500 in 2011, with the filled the existing industrial parks the world is not only Indonesia’s President, Japan Indonesia day. middle-income group reaching and is leading to additional de- economy. In recent years, Indo- Association Under the stable political 130 million people, about half of velopment of such estates. nesia is increasing its presence, leadership of President susi- the population. In addition, the Indonesia aims to take its deploying positive diplomacy This year marks lo Bambang yudhoyono, the poverty rate has been steadily place among the 10 biggest eco- beyond the asEAN (Associa- the 67th an- Indonesian economy grows decreasing from 16.6 percent nomic powers in the world in tion of Southeast Asian Nations) niversary since steadily, buoyed by robust per- (37.17 million people) in 2007 2025. to accomplish this goal, region as a major country in the the indepen- sonal consumption and corpo- to 12.5 percent (30.02 million there is a pressing need to im- international community, such dence of the rate investment amid the slug- people) in 2011. prove infrastructure. Japanese as within the Group of Twenty. Republic of gish economy in Europe and With the increase in domestic public and private sectors are On the occasion of the 67th Indonesia was around the world. indonesia’s purchasing power because of cooperating with indonesia in anniversary of independence, declared in the economic growth rate was 6.1 such smooth economic growth, the infrastructure projects, such I sincerely hope that Japan-In- name of the In- percent in 2010, 6.5 percent in many foreign companies — not as improvement of airports, donesia friendship shall further donesian nationals on aug. 17, 2011 and has reached 6.3 per- only Japanese automobile man- ports and mass transportation deepen, and pray that the re- 1945. On behalf of the Japan cent in the first half of this year. ufactures, but also companies networks, within the framework public of indonesia will further Indonesia association, i would Also, gross domestic product per from the U.S., Europe, South Ko- of the Metropolitan Priority ar- ensure the strides toward prog- like to extend my heartfelt con- capita stood at $1,100 in 2004, rea and China — are expanding eas for Investment and Industry ress and development, and that Plan: A model shows the new facilities under construction at Ngurah Rai International Airport in gratulations to the government when President Yudhoyono was their business in Indonesia. This (MPA). the people of Indonesia will en- Denpasar, , the main tourism gateway in Indonesia. Ministry of tourism and creative economy and people of Indonesia on the sworn in as the new leader, and investment boom has already What draws the attention of joy further prosperity.

PAGE: 6 第３種郵便物認可 The Japan Times Friday, August 17, 2012 7 Indonesia independence day Teenage ambassadors as a bridge for ties

In March, Indonesian President and first lady ani Bambang Yudhoyono hosted a reception for 20 Japanese teenage ambas- sadors from Nishi High school in tokyo. state secretary H.E. Sudi silalahi, Cabinet secretary Dipo alam as well as Minister for Education and Culture H.E. Muhammad Nuh also attended Preserving an art: Saman, a traditional dance from Aceh this event. The party was held at Province performed in a line while kneeling, is listed by the Presidential in , UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent West Java. Safeguarding. Ministry of tourism and creative economy “It was a very great honor for us and our students to attend the party hosted by President Collaboration aids both nations Yudhoyono despite his very busy schedule,” said the Japanese Am- Continued from page 6 China, South Korea and Japan. bassador to indonesia H.E. yo- also means resourceful people to From my almost two years shinori Katori, who also accom- contribute to the development. as ambassador of indonesia to panied the Japanese delegation. From a population of 230 mil- Japan, I have witnessed the ex- Furthermore, Ambassador Katori lion, 65 percent are in the 15-60 cellence of Japanese technology said that these teenage ambassa- Exchange: Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (front row, second from left) and years of age range, the workforce and creative innovations. Often dors might be the successors to his wife, Ani (front row, third from left), host 20 students from Tokyo at a reception upon the age. With current population aiming at simplifying everyday Japanese leaders in the future. teenage ambassadors’ visit to Indonesia, at Bogor Palace on March 13. Aeon 1% Club growth of 1.3 percent, the Insti- lives, Japanese tech in electron- Tsuya yokoyama, one of the tute of developing Economies ics, robotics and machineries teenage ambassadors, also ex- President Yudhoyono would visit a relationship with the indone- Nagahisa Oyama, vice presi- of the Japan External Trade Or- are function-wise and people- pressed his sincere gratitude Japan again, especially to the To- sian generation at your age. I will dent and CEO of ASsEAN Busi- ganization (IDE-JETRO) has pro- friendly (although sometimes and appreciation to President hoku area in spring to enjoy the tell you our proverb, “If you don’t ness at aeon Co., who man- jected that Indonesia will main- not language-friendly). Yudhoyono and the first lady for cherry blossoms. know, you can’t like,” and there- aged the aeon 1 Percent Club, tain this demographic advantage This advancement in tech- hosting the reception. President yudhoyono ex- fore, when you visit indonesia, explained that this youth and until the year 2040. Unlike other nology and innovation is what “We feel a very deep sense of plained that the bilateral rela- please make an acquaintance student exchange program is emerging economies where the Indonesia needs for the future. friendship from our Indonesian tionship between Japan and In- with your indonesian friend, a realization of aeon group’s aging population is somewhat of Already Indonesia’s biggest trad- friends. We will not forget both donesia has been established for for one day in the future you corporate social responsibility concern, the human capital of ing partner, it is only sensible to morale and material supports a very long time and has its ups will cooperate together for the to create an international com- Indonesia will last for 30 years collaborate with Japan in this we received from indonesia and downs. However, recently, interests of both indonesia and munity, wherein people live from now. field, especially for infrastructure. in the time of darkness during the relationship between the two Japan, and for the good of the in peace and harmony by en- What is more interesting is This is also in line with the Met- the 2011 disaster. Therefore, we nations is increasingly develop- world that you live in,” President hancing international cultural that this human resource cre- ropolitan Priority area (MPA) would like to express our sincere ing toward better conditions. Yudhoyono said. promotion, environment and ates a chunk of 90 million mid- and indonesian Economic de- gratitude for those supports, es- President Yudhoyono expressed President yudhoyono also natural preservation as well as dle-class people, an increase of velopment Corridor (IEDC) pro- pecially for President Yudhoyono his fervent hope that the visiting explained that the support and cooperation in education. in eight times in the last 20 years. gram, initiated by the Japanese and first lady ani yudhoyono, teenage ambassadors will further aid for Japan is the realization of educational cooperation, aeon This means more consumption government. who already visited the disaster- bring the relationship between the close and deep relationship cooperates with two Indonesian of goods, more roads, more air- The objectives of this idea affected area in June last year,” he Indonesia and Japan closer. between the two nations, just as universities to provide scholar- planes and more electricity, not are real: to create jobs and en- said. Yokoyama also wished that “You are already establishing the Japanese support and aid to ships for students, and in the only to live, but to make a living hance economic growth, which Indonesia during the 2004 earth- environmental sense, Aeon col- as well. will lead to more direct invest- quake and tsunami in Aceh. lects and plants 40,000 mangrove The rapid growth of the mid- ment and generate even more This teenage ambassadors seeds from over 3,400 volunteers dle class in Indonesia is also a industrialization. in 2010, the program is part of a youth ex- in northern Jakarta. part of the 55 percent growth total of Japanese foreign direct change program between in- Oyama also recalled the as- of the whole Asia-Pacific. From investment (FDI) to indonesia donesia and Japan that is spon- sistance provided by the indo- the outlook, the asia-Pacific was $712 million. this number sored by the aeon 1 Percent nesian government in the af- is indeed the center for the has doubled in 2011, and we are Club, which aims to bring to- termath of the Great East Japan world’s growth, and indonesia expecting growth in 2012 as well. gether the Japanese youth gener- Earthquake in 2011. strategically lies in the center It is indeed a special time to ation with other nations’ youth, “On behalf of AEON Group, I of it. also one of the founding celebrate the birthday of our including that of Indonesia. The would like to express our appre- fathers of Association of South- country. Furthermore, let us cel- visit of the Japanese teenage am- ciation for the support and as- east Asian Nations (ASEAN), In- ebrate the friendship built in the bassadors was a return visit for sistance extended by President donesia is very much involved 67 years, pairing it with the link- 20 Indonesian teenage ambassa- Yudhoyono as well as by the in the dynamics of the region. age of business-to-business and dors from al-Izhar High school people of Indonesia to Japanese This is a part of our commit- government-to-government co- of Jakarta, who were invited to people who were affected by the ment to the pillar of world or- operation, and moving forward Japan last January. During their Great East Japan Earthquake and der. this effort in the region with people-to-people exposure. visit in Japan, the indonesian tsunami last year,” he said. has been further elevated with To this end, indonesia and Ja- Cooperation: Two thousand people, including 1,300 volunteers teenage ambassadors engaged in the framework of ASsEAN Plus pan have shared not only a link, from Japan, plant 25,000 mangrove nursery trees in northern several activities, including pay- Information provided by the Three, recognizing the impor- but bonded as a relationship of Jakarta on July 15 as part of Aeon Group’s corporate social ing a courtesy call to the Prime Indonesian Embassy. tance of the cooperation with brothers. responsibility program. Aeon 1% Club Minister H.E. Yoshihiko Noda.

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