BULGARIA, RAKYAT NEWS – The Indonesian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Iwan Bogananta, officially inaugurated the Honorary Consulate of Indonesia in Obzor, Burgas, Bulgaria, on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

The inauguration marks an important step in enhancing the bilateral relations between Indonesia and Bulgaria. According to Ambassador Bogananta, this consulate will serve as a vital hub for strengthening various sectors, including trade, investment, tourism, and labor.

Bogananta highlighted that the consulate would not only promote economic and cultural ties but also facilitate the entry of Indonesian exports into the Bulgarian and European markets. With Bulgaria’s strategic position in Europe, the consulate is expected to play a key role in bridging opportunities for Indonesian businesses to expand their reach.

In his remarks, Bogananta also stressed the importance of increasing cooperation in the tourism sector. He specifically mentioned the potential for partnerships between Burgas and several regions in Indonesia, including Bali, Labuan Bajo, Papua, and Kalimantan, all of which are known for their growing tourism industries. The establishment of the consulate will help facilitate these collaborations.

Ivan Dobribnov Ivanov, a prominent young Bulgarian entrepreneur and the newly appointed Honorary Consul of Indonesia for the Burgas region, expressed his deep personal connection to Indonesia. Ivanov mentioned that Indonesia feels like a second home to him and that his role as Honorary Consul would be to help foster greater ties between the two countries.

Ivanov also outlined his future plans to promote Indonesian exports in Bulgaria and Europe, aligning with Ambassador Bogananta’s vision of Bulgaria as a key hub for Indonesian products. Additionally, Ivanov mentioned his interest in collaborating with the Indonesian government to open up more opportunities for Bulgarian businesses to invest in Indonesia.

The honorary consul is also an influential figure in the tourism industry, as he owns one of the largest five-star resorts in Obzor. He has expressed a strong desire to invest in Indonesia, with his company preparing the necessary budget and plans to make this investment a reality in 2025. Ivanov’s experience and resources in the tourism sector could significantly benefit both countries.

Burgas, where the Honorary Consulate is located, is Bulgaria’s fourth-largest province, situated along the Black Sea coastline. The province is an important trade and transportation hub, with an international port that facilitates the entry of foreign products into Bulgaria and other European countries. As a tourism destination, Burgas also attracts visitors from across Europe, especially during the summer months.

The establishment of the Honorary Consulate is seen as a crucial move to expand Indonesia’s diplomatic footprint in Eastern Europe and strengthen its presence in the global market. As the bilateral ties between Indonesia and Bulgaria continue to grow, the consulate is expected to contribute to deepening mutual cooperation in various sectors, from trade to culture and beyond. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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