JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – President Prabowo Subianto has officially received Letters of Credence from seven ambassadors representing friendly nations. The ceremony took place in the Credential Room of the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday afternoon, marking a significant diplomatic event in Indonesia’s foreign relations.

The event began with a formal credentialing ceremony, during which military personnel provided an honor guard as a symbol of respect for the visiting ambassadors. The ceremony was accompanied by the playing of each country’s national anthem, reflecting the importance of the diplomatic exchange.

After the initial formalities, the ambassadors were invited to proceed into the Merdeka Palace. One by one, they presented their Letters of Credence to President Prabowo, officially establishing their roles as representatives of their respective countries to Indonesia.

Accompanying President Prabowo at the event was Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Sugiono. Together, they welcomed the diplomats in a ceremonial atmosphere that emphasized both Indonesia’s respect for international cooperation and its growing diplomatic presence on the world stage.

The seven ambassadors who participated in the ceremony were from a diverse range of countries, further underscoring the breadth of Indonesia’s global connections. Among the ambassadors was Marc Gerritsen, the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Republic of Indonesia.

Also present was Roberto Sarmento de Oliveira Saores, who represents the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. As a close neighbor, Timor-Leste’s diplomatic ties with Indonesia have been growing steadily since the country’s independence.

Another ambassador in attendance was Martin Makururu, the Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to Indonesia. Zimbabwe has been strengthening its ties with Indonesia, particularly in areas of trade and regional cooperation.

Oybek Eshonov, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Indonesia, also presented his credentials. Uzbekistan’s diplomatic and economic engagement with Indonesia has expanded in recent years, with both nations looking to deepen cooperation in various sectors.

Additionally, Wang Lutong, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Indonesia, participated in the ceremony. China has been a key partner for Indonesia in terms of trade, infrastructure development, and regional security.

Abdelouahab Osmane, the Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, also attended the ceremony. Algeria’s relationship with Indonesia is increasingly important, especially in matters related to the Middle East and North Africa region.

Enkhtaivan Dashnyam, Mongolia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, was another participant in the event. Mongolia and Indonesia have developed friendly ties, particularly in the fields of culture and trade, and are looking to strengthen their collaboration further.

The event also underscored Indonesia’s role as a key player in fostering diplomatic ties across the globe. By receiving these new ambassadors, President Prabowo reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining strong, cooperative relationships with countries worldwide.

The presentation of Letters of Credence is a time-honored tradition in international diplomacy. It serves as an official recognition of ambassadors’ roles in representing their countries and enhancing bilateral relations with Indonesia.

As President Prabowo received each ambassador’s credentials, the occasion not only marked a new chapter in Indonesia’s diplomatic relations but also highlighted the growing importance of Indonesia’s role on the global stage. (Uki Ruknuddin)