By Reginald Tapfumaneyi
HARARE– The Indonesian Ambassador to Zimbabwe and Zambia, H.E. Arief Hidayat has expressed gratitude for the strong relations between Indonesia and both African countries.
Ambassador Hidayat made the remarks while celebrating Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day at his Colne Valley residence on Monday 17 August.
Addressing Indonesian Catholic priests and sisters based in Zambia and Zimbabwe, alumni, and prospective scholarship students, the Ambassador said the three nations share many experiences and aspirations.
“Our struggle for independence, nation building, the responsible use of our national resources for the welfare of our people, and the desire for a stronger voice in the international community,” he emphasized.
He noted that the relationship between Indonesia, Zimbabwe and Zambia has evolved from friendship to partnership.
“Our relations now reflect our broader approach to Africa with continued and substantive engagement,” Ambassador Arief said.
“Historical friendship and political solidarity remain important. We must now translate them into practical cooperation and concrete benefits that include: trade and investment, agriculture and food security, health and education, industrialization and value addition, and people-to-people relations.”
Father Klemens Siamukwele of the Zambian Roman Catholic Church hailed the Ambassador for his efforts in uniting the Indonesian diaspora community in both nations.
“We are very happy as we celebrate our 81st anniversary. I would like to appreciate our Ambassador who has maintained an open-door policy to all of us abroad,” he said.
“May the friendship between Indonesia and Zimbabwe continue to grow stronger through cooperation, mutual respect, and people-to-people solidarity,” he added.
Also sharing her joy was 19-year-old Takaponeswa Vheneka, a prospective accounting student who was awarded a scholarship to study in Indonesia.
Vheneka will begin her studies in Purwokerto this September. She expressed gratitude to the Indonesian government and its people.
“This opportunity is life-changing and I would like to thank the Embassy for their facilitation,” she said.
“I look forward to learning a lot about Indonesia and its culture during my stay.”
This year, hundreds of Zimbabwean applied for scholarships to Indonesia and more than twenty passed the tests. The recipients will depart on September to start their Indonesian Language classes before starting their field of study.
