By On October 26 2023, the Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea Gandi Sulistiyanto received the title of Honorary Citizen of the City of Seoul for his services and contributions in strengthening bilateral cooperation between South Korea and Indonesia, especially the Seoul City Government. The symbol of handing over the title of Honorary Citizen of the City of Seoul was handed over to Ambassador Gandi by the Mayor of Seoul, Oh Se-Hoon at Seoul City Hall.
“At the start of his assignment, Ambassador Gandi Sulistiyanto facilitated the import of urea from Indonesia, when Korea was experiencing a shortage of urea for industry. “Apart from that, the Indonesian Ambassador is also active in increasing cooperation between business and creative economy players in the two countries,” said Mayor Oh.
Ambassador Sulis expressed his gratitude and deep appreciation for the award of the title of Honorary Citizen. According to him, the title of Honorary Citizen of the City of Seoul is dedicated not only to the staff at the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul but also to all Indonesian citizens in South Korea. Indonesian President Joko Widodo was the first Indonesian citizen to receive this award in 2016.
“During my 1 year and 10 month assignment in Korea, the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul actively promoted cooperation between the government and the private sector.
as well as between communities,” said Ambassador Sulis.
Since 1984, the city of Seoul has had a Sister City collaboration with DKI Jakarta, and next year will commemorate the 40th anniversary of this collaboration.
The good relations between the Seoul City Government and the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul are very good. Which reflecte during the commemoration of the 78th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia. Where Seoul City Hall was allow to be illuminate by red and white lights symbolizing the Indonesian flag.
Regarding the 50th anniversary of Indonesia-Korea Friendly Relations which falls in 2023, Ambassador Sulis said that the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul had held four business forums in the fields of trade, finance and investment; launch of the Hyundai IONIQ5 electric car with Indonesian Batik design; publishing a book about President Joko Widodo and Pancasila in Korean; as well as holding three Indonesian Festivals, namely in the cities of Ansan, Busan and Seoul. Thanks to permission and assistance from the Mayor of Seou. The Indonesian Festival which in Seoul and attend by more than 10 thousand visitors. Able to be at Gwanghwamun Plaza which is locate in the center of Seoul’s attractions.
The trade value between Indonesia and South Korea in 2022 was record as breaking a record by reaching USD 24.5 billion.
Korean investment in Indonesia also increased by 40.06 percent or to USD 2.29 billion. The implementation of the Indonesia-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is expect to further increase trade between the two countries. Strengthening cooperation in the fields of education and human resources was spearhead by the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul through the International Talent Pool Management Program, enabling Indonesian citizens who graduated from universities in Indonesia and South Korea to pursue careers in South Korea. The Indonesian Embassy in Seoul is intensifying collaboration between creative actors from the two countries, and has held the first forum to foster digital entrepreneurship and start-ups.
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