The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Cambodia, Dr. Santo Darmosumarto, began the year 2025 with a pivotal meeting with Cambodia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Prak Sokhonn, marking the start of an ongoing effort to deepen bilateral ties between the two nations. The talks, which took place on January 6, were centered around enhancing strategic collaboration in various sectors, from trade and tourism to security and cultural exchange.
Ambassador Darmosumarto opened the discussion by congratulating Minister Prak Sokhonn on his reappointment and reaffirming Indonesia’s strong commitment to advancing Indonesia-Cambodia relations. This annual diplomatic meeting, which was initiated in 2024, underscores the Indonesian Embassy’s proactive role in fostering closer ties between the two countries.
Minister Prak Sokhonn highlighted the historical significance of the bilateral relationship, particularly Indonesia’s instrumental role in Cambodia’s peace process. He expressed gratitude for Indonesia’s continued support in strengthening Cambodia’s security infrastructure, particularly in military cooperation.
The economic discussions were especially encouraging, with Ambassador Darmosumarto reporting a notable 3.8% increase in bilateral trade from January to November 2024 compared to the previous year. The Ambassador noted the growing popularity of Indonesian goods and brands in Cambodia, and suggested several initiatives aimed at further boosting trade. Among these proposals was the development of Cambodia’s halal food industry, tapping into the country’s growing Muslim population, as well as expanding tourism opportunities between the two nations.
In line with these economic goals, Ambassador Darmosumarto proposed the opening of a direct AirAsia flight route from Cambodia to Bali, which he said would facilitate not only greater connectivity but also increase the flow of tourists and business between the two nations.
The socio-cultural sphere also featured prominently in the discussions, with Minister Prak Sokhonn commending the series of successful events organized by the Indonesian Embassy in 2024 to celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations. These events, which included the revitalization of the Indonesia-Cambodia Friendship School, the visit of the Indonesian Navy ship KRI Bimasuci, and the collaborative art performance “Harmony in Motion,” were praised as key milestones in fostering people-to-people ties.
Looking forward to 2025, the Indonesian Ambassador shared an exciting agenda of upcoming initiatives designed to further strengthen cultural and educational exchanges. These include the Indonesian Film Festival, the Indonesia Alumni Congress, and a Bahasa Indonesia teaching program aimed at enhancing the language skills of Cambodian diplomats and government officials. These initiatives are set to build on the successes of the past year and deepen mutual understanding between the two nations.
Both Ambassador Darmosumarto and Minister Prak Sokhonn expressed hope for reciprocal visits by the heads of state of both nations in 2025, signaling a strong desire for continued high-level engagement.
With these efforts, Indonesia and Cambodia are poised to further solidify their strategic partnership and build a future of sustained collaboration across a range of sectors, from trade and security to cultural exchange and regional diplomacy.