JAKARTA - This year is an important milestone for Taiwan and Indonesia. Taiwan successfully completed its 8th direct presidential and vice presidential election, laying the foundation for democracy. Constitutional governance is again innovative, and its strong democratic resilience has been highly recognized by the international community.

"Indonesia also succeeded in electing a new president peacefully and stably. The new government of the two countries will achieve better substantive cooperation results based on the strong interactions that have existed before," said Head of the Taiwan Representative Office (TETO) John Chen at the "Reception "113th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan)" at the Borobudur Hotel, Jakarta on Tuesday evening (8/10/2024).

On this occasion, John Chen delivered a speech with the theme: "A Democratic, Peaceful and Prosperous New Taiwan". This grand event was attended by government officials, legislative members, diplomats, the Chinese community, Taiwanese businessmen, intellectuals and media people, totaling more than 800 people. Among them were 8 members of the Indonesian House of Representatives, officials from the embassies of Guatemala, Ukraine, Hungary, the United Arab Emirates, Bosnia, Italy, Finland, Japan, the European Union, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, India, Malaysia, Jordan and Latvia who also attended the event.

In terms of economics and trade, continued John Chen, Taiwan has successfully promoted its "New Southward Policy" for eight years. In the first half of this year, the total trade volume with the 18 New Southbound Policy countries reached USD83.5 billion, or an annual growth rate of 12.43%, and exports reached USD50.2 billion. This is the highest record for the same period in previous years.

Currently, Taiwan's total investment in Indonesia is ranked in the top five foreign investments in Indonesia, and has created around 1 million jobs for the Indonesian people. In the future, Taiwanese investment is expected to encourage momentum for regional cooperation with the "Digital New Southbound" policy, which integrating fellow Taiwanese entrepreneurs, providing management technology support, creating service innovation and system integration, to deepen technological ties with Southeast Asian countries.

Bilateral relations between Taiwan and Indonesia have become closer in the past year. Indonesia is Taiwan's largest source of migrant workers and Taiwan's second largest source of foreign students.

Currently there are 400,000 Indonesian citizens living, working and studying in various regions in Taiwan. Taiwan is honored to be a second home for friends from Indonesia, and we would like to thank the new Indonesian residents for their dedication and efforts in Taiwan.

As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan seeks to join international organizations, and contribute to the world community through various means, deepening global partnerships, using strength and good leadership. With these efforts, Taiwan has received increasing support from the international community.

John Chen also mentioned that, recently, partner countries that share the same views as Taiwan, such as the United States, Australia and the European Parliament, firmly support Taiwan, and jointly oppose China's deliberate distortion of the General Assembly Resolution UN 2758, which is incorrectly associated with the "one China principle".

The union of democratic nations is the main force to restrain China's expansion. The Taiwanese government thanks all parties for their support for Taiwan and for all their efforts in maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait.

Furthermore, John Chen said that Taiwan will uphold the values ​​of freedom and democracy, and continue to deepen partnerships with Indonesia and countries that have similar ideals, and work together to realize democracy, peace and prosperity.

The visual screen displayed on the main stage of this year's National Day reception shows Taiwan at sunrise, the AI ​​wafer board shines like the sun on the main peak of Yushan, combined with famous buildings from north to south, including the Presidential Palace, Taipei 101 and Kaohsiung Pop Music Center. Showcasing Taiwan's inexhaustible vitality and creativity, this design work received praise from the reception guests.

This reception also used digital technology to pamper the eyes of the invited guests with the beauty of Taiwan. Attendees can also take photos at the Green Screen back drop which combines photos of Building 101, Taiwan, and post them on social media, which adds even more excitement to the event.

The reception also featured various typical Taiwanese snacks, such as Din Tai Fung, Xiao Long Bao, Sunrise Tea, Xingfutang Pearl Milk Tea, Snow Ice and "Golden Malabar", a typical Taiwanese coffee made by Taiwanese entrepreneurs who have lived in Indonesia for a long time. All these dishes make guests feel that Taiwan-Indonesia friendship is getting closer.

Apart from that, this event was also enlivened by the well-known Indonesian vocal singer Vera, who sang songs that are popular in China and Indonesia, including My Heart Will Go On, Always on My Mind, Breeze and Drizzle, Green Island Serenade, and others. The melodious melody enchanted the guests, and the reception ended perfectly with an unforgettable song.

(SOURCE)