Indonesia Celebrates 81st Independence Day at Bangkok Embassy

Indonesia's Embassy in Thailand marked the country's 81st Independence Day with a reception in Bangkok on 20 August, bringing together diplomats, politicians, media and guests from various sectors.

The reception was held at the Grand Ballroom of the Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, where Indonesian Ambassador to Thailand Hari Prabowo highlighted the longstanding ties between the two countries and Thailand's role in Indonesia's journey to independence. "Thailand has a special place in Indonesia's journey to independence," Prabowo said. He noted that Bangkok was home to Indonesia's first diplomatic mission overseas. The Indonesia Office, or INDOFF, opened in Silom in 1947 to mobilise international support and recognition for Indonesia's newly proclaimed independence. It later evolved into the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Bangkok. Prabowo expressed "profound gratitude" to Their Majesties, the Royal Thai Government and the Thai people for standing by Indonesia from the early days of its independence.

He said bilateral relations have continued to deepen, pointing to the launch of the Indonesia-Thailand Strategic Partnership in Bangkok in 2025 and the launch of its roadmap in Jakarta on 3 August 2026 during Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's official visit. The ambassador described the strategic partnership as forward-looking and people-centred, aimed at delivering concrete benefits to the peoples of both countries, including future generations. He also stressed the need for Indonesia and Thailand to work together for a peaceful and stable ASEAN.

"Indonesia's independence was founded on the conviction that freedom is the right of all peoples," Prabowo said, adding that independence and freedom should be used to build a just society that protects human rights and human dignity, creates prosperity and ensures sustainability.