Remarks by Ambassador Donovan at the Celebration of the 242nd Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, Jakarta
Yang terhormat Menteri Koordinator Luhut Pandjaitan ,Deputi Sekretaris Jenderal Tuan, Duta Besar Campbell, para hadirin sekalian, selamat datang di perayaan kemerdekaan Amerika Serikat ke –dua ratus empat puluh dua.
The theme for our celebration this year is Partnerships Across the Oceans — particularly fitting as Indonesia prepares to host the 2018 Our Ocean Conference. Our two countries have a strong legacy of maritime cooperation, I encourage all of you to explore the displays around the residence, where you’ll find examples of just how broad our partnerships are – from maritime conservation and security to education and culture.
I emphasize this, because as we celebrate 242 years of American independence, we also celebrate our Strategic Partnership with Indonesia, a partnership that is at the heart of the Indo-Pacific.
Our partnership champions free and fair trade, freedom of the seas, and free societies, and it works because the United States and Indonesia have a mutual stake in each other’s success. We are two democracies with a shared belief in unity in diversity – Bhinneka Tunggal Ika – and the right of all nations to live in prosperity, security, and liberty in a rules-based order.
I know our partnership works because I see it every day. I see it in the successful conclusion of the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s 5.5 trillion Rupiah compact, implemented by Indonesians for Indonesians.
I see it in eastern Indonesia, where USAID is helping establish marine protected areas to sustain healthy ecosystems and to strengthen the livelihoods of local communities.
I see it in the hard work of our Peace Corps volunteers, who teach English to the youth of East and West Java and East Nusa Tenggara.
Perhaps more so than anywhere else, I see it in our Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, YSEALI. Indonesia has the largest contingent of YSEALI participants in ASEAN — over 27,000. They are young, energetic, and full of good ideas. They are the future leaders of this country, and the future stewards of our partnership.
I see just how great this partnership is. I hope — and here is my one request of you tonight — that you see it, celebrate it, and share it with others.
Share the news that the United States and Indonesia will celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2019. Celebrate with us in October, when we open our new, modern embassy here in Jakarta, and continue to celebrate with us into 2019, as we honor our shared history and look ahead to future achievements together, proving that our Strategic Partnership is truly at the heart of the Indo-Pacific.
Thank you to all of you for joining us tonight. Please enjoy the evening.
Mohon maaf bila ada salah kata, sekian terima kasih.
As prepared.
