The Honorary Consul of Indonesia in Ghana, H.E. Paskal A.B. Rois, has highlighted Indonesia’s remarkable progress eight decades after attaining independence.

According to him, Indonesia has evolved into one of the world’s largest democracies and a rising economic power, while strengthening bilateral ties across the globe.

He noted that 80 years on, Indonesia is celebrating not only freedom but also resilience, unity, and development.

“Indonesia has grown to become the world’s third-largest democracy and the largest Muslim-majority country, a nation rich in diversity and culture, with an economy that continues to rise among the strongest in Asia. This milestone is a reminder that independence is not merely the absence of colonialism, but the presence of development, peace, and global cooperation,” he said in a statement to mark the anniversary.

Indonesia marked its 80th Independence Day yesterday, commemorating the historic proclamation of freedom on August 17, 1945, by President Soekarno and Dr. Mohammad Hatta. The day is observed as a sacred occasion symbolizing triumph over colonial rule and steady progress as a democracy and economic force in Asia.

H.E. Rois also underscored the strong bond between Ghana and Indonesia, recalling their solidarity during the era of independence struggles. He noted that both nations were key participants in the historic Bandung Conference of 1955, where leaders such as President Soekarno and Ghana’s first Prime Minister, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, championed freedom, equality, and South-South cooperation.

That solidarity, he said, has since matured into a bilateral partnership covering trade, education, culture, and diplomacy.

On trade and development, he cited Indonesia’s collaboration with Ghana’s Atlantic Life Sciences in vaccine production. Bio Farma, Indonesia’s state-owned vaccine company, is partnering with the Ghanaian firm to boost local vaccine manufacturing capacity. Knowledge slot pulsa and technology transfer have already begun, with Ghanaian teams undergoing training in Indonesia.

In education, H.E. Rois noted that Indonesia continues to support Ghanaian students through fully funded scholarships from undergraduate to PhD levels. For the 2025 academic year, seven Ghanaian students have qualified for the prestigious KNB Fully Funded Indonesian Scholarship and will soon depart for Indonesia.

“This is not just an investment in education but a bridge for people-to-people connections that will strengthen the future of our bilateral relations,” he said.

Looking ahead, he emphasised Indonesia’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Ghana in key sectors such as trade, investment, agriculture, aviation, energy, digital innovation, and education. He observed that both nations serve as strategic gateways, Indonesia in Southeast Asia and Ghana in West Africa, offering opportunities for mutual growth.

He also welcomed the appointment of H.E. Bambang Suharto as Indonesia’s new Ambassador to Nigeria, with concurrent accreditation to Ghana and other West African countries, expressing optimism for stronger ties under his leadership.

H.E. Rois reaffirmed that the Indonesian Consulate in Ghana, in collaboration with the Embassy in Abuja, remains committed to expanding business exchanges, cultural cooperation, and people-to-people connections.

He concluded by extending warm congratulations to the government and people of Indonesia, expressing hope that the red and white flag will continue to symbolize freedom, unity, and progress while strengthening Ghana–Indonesia friendship.