A Conversation among Rows of Majestic Trees

Good morning, peace be upon us all.

It is an honour for us to gather in this beautiful and historically significant place, the Bogor Botanical Gardens. Today, we not only enjoy the natural beauty but also celebrate an important milestone in the journey of world diplomacy that occurred in April, six decades ago.

This place bore witness to President Sukarno’s warm welcome to the visit of President Kim Il Sung and Great Leade Kim Jong Il in April 1965. This meeting was not just an ordinary state visit, but a symbol of sincere friendship between two nations that shared a passion in fighting for the sovereignty and solidarity of the Asian and African nations.

We certainly still vividly remember how the “Kimilsungia” flower diplomacy was born at the Bogor Botanical Gardens.

The name given directly by Bung Karno to this orchid is a testament to the strong emotional bond between the two leaders. This relationship transcended bureaucratic boundaries, fostering a mutual respect that continues to live on through generations.

Over the past six decades, relations between Indonesia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) have undergone various dynamics.

However, the foundation laid in Bogor remains strong.

We continue to maintain communication based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and a shared desire to create peace in the region.

The Bogor Botanical Gardens remind us that diplomacy doesn’t always have to be conducted at the rigid negotiating table. Sometimes, a conversation among rows of majestic trees and beautiful flowers can give birth to a grand vision for the nation’s future. This is a legacy of cultural diplomacy that we must continue to nurture and preserve together.

Looking to the future, the global challenges we face are increasingly complex. Therefore, strengthening cooperation in various fields is a necessity. We need to broaden the horizons of collaboration, from cultural and educational sectors to the exchange of ideas on sustainable development for the prosperity of the people of both countries.

The Indonesian government remains committed to being a bridge for peace. The spirit of friendship pioneered in 1965 serves as a strong social capital for us to continue supporting stability on the Korean Peninsula, while strengthening a more productive bilateral partnership in the future.

Let us use this commemoration as a momentum to renew that commitment to friendship. Not only to remember the past, but also to formulate concrete steps on how the relationship between Indonesia and Korea can make a positive contribution to a more harmonious and just world order.

Through ongoing dialogue and mutual trust, I am confident that the untapped potential for cooperation can soon be realized.

This long-rooted relationship must continue to be nurtured so that it grows lushly, like the large trees that shade us at the Bogor Botanical Gardens today.

Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to all parties who continue to keep the flame of friendship between Indonesia and Korea alive. May the spirit of April 1965 continue to inspire us to move forward together toward a brighter, more peaceful, and more progressive future for both nations.

​Terima kasih.
Kamsahamnida.