Diplomats celebrate 75 years of Thai-Indonesian diplomatic ties
In celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations, Thailand and Indonesia are joining forces to tackle pressing issues, with transnational crimes and regional peace being key priorities.
Mirza Nurhidayat, head of Southeast Asia affairs at Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Ministry, proposes a blueprint for lasting regional tranquility in strategic areas like defense, economy, and people-to-people relations.
This collaboration is particularly urgent, especially when it comes to confronting the rise of transnational crimes in Southeast Asia. According to Mr. Nurhidayat, over 600 Indonesians have become victims of scammers based in Myanmar. Even though Thailand has facilitated the repatriation of these Indonesian nationals, Mr. Nurhidayat emphasizes the importance of enhanced security cooperation. This cooperation includes strategies like combating technology misuse and sharing criminal case details for proactive countermeasures.
On the subject of Myanmar, Mr. Nurhidayat expressed Indonesia's continued dedication to the ASEAN five-point consensus—a strategic plan aimed at reducing conflict in Myanmar—adopted in 2021. He urged Thailand to get involved in pushing this agenda for a brighter and enduring future of peace in Myanmar.
Apart from security, Mr. Nurhidayat highlighted the student exchange programs between the two countries as a means to bolster not only people-to-people relations but also to address the market's needs and foster a more skilled workforce. He also pointed out that trade between the two has been less than it should be and advocated for tapping into strategic business sectors to lift bilateral trade while developing a cordial and favorable business environment.
Suwit Mangkhala, the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry's ASEAN Affairs Department Deputy Director-General, highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two countries, resulting in substantial contributions at the ASEAN level, ultimately making ASEAN more relevant on the global stage.
This rapport could prove valuable in the current geopolitical landscape, where ASEAN's role could bridge differences or gaps between major powers. In the face of these geopolitical tensions, both nations are ready to upgrade their ties to a strategic partnership, focusing on citizens' protection, preventing human trafficking, and collaborating within ASEAN frameworks to combat transnational crimes. A joint working team is being established to identify essential sectors for cooperation, strengthening their strategic partnership.
In conclusion, Thailand and Indonesia are actively developing strategies to collaborate against transnational crimes, particularly in the context of Myanmar. They are also committed to working closely to achieve peace and stability in Myanmar, with ASEAN playing a major role. Upgrading their relationship to a strategic partnership and addressing the skills the market demands through student exchange programs are among the strategies employed to foster a more skilled workforce and improve regional stability.
- Mirza Nurhidayat, in proposing a blueprint for regional tranquility, suggests that education and self-development initiatives like student exchange programs between Thailand and Indonesia can bolster people-to-people relations, address the market's needs, and foster a more skilled workforce.
- In the context of war and conflicts, particularly in Myanmar, both Thailand and Indonesia are actively collaborating to combat transnational crimes and uphold peace, involving efforts in crime-and-justice issues like combating technology misuse, sharing criminal case details, preventing human trafficking, and adhering to the ASEAN five-point consensus.
