The United States Fully Support Indonesia's G20 Presidency: Stated U.S. Secretary Of Commerce At Indonesia's 77Th Independence Day Reception

INDUSTRY.co.id - WASHINGTON DC, United States: SEPTEMBER 30, 2022: The Indonesian Embassy in Washington DC hosted a Diplomatic Reception in celebration of the 77^th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia on Thursday, September 29, 2022, after two years of lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Held at the Willard Hotel, located near the east side of the White House, the reception was attended by more than 500 guests from government officials, members of parliament and senate, diplomatic corps, business sector, think tanks, and international organizations in the US.

Representing the US Government, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo was present as Guest of Honor. The reception was also attended by VVIP guests namely US Congressmen Eric Swalwell (Democrat-California), Ted Deutch (Democrat-Florida), Daniel J. Krittenbrink (Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs), Raymond Duda (Assistant Director, International Operations Division, FBI), LTG Laura A. Potter (Deputy Chief of Staff, G -2 US Army), Mari Elka Pangestu (Managing Director of Policy Development and Cooperation, World Bank), and Jedidiah P. Royal (Principal Deputy Assistance Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Affairs).

Indonesian Ambassador to the United States, Rosan P. Roeslani, greeted his guests and underlined the history and relations between Indonesia and the US, which both adhere to the principles of democracy. "The spirit of the proclamation of Indonesian independence lives on in the 1945 constitution, and the United States E. Pluribus Unum, ‘out of many, one’, is identical to the motto of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which means ‘unity in diversity’".

Amidst the many challenges under today’s global uncertainty, Ambassador Rosan emphasized the importance of collaboration.

“In times of crisis, wise people choose to build bridges, not barriers. We must find a way to take care of each other, as if we were one tribe,” said Ambassador Rosan, who borrowed a quote from the Marvel film, Black Panther, which then received a big applause from the guests.

In her speech, Secretary Raimondo conveyed the US government’s full support for the success of Indonesia's presidency at the G20, and is committed to strengthening cooperation and collaboration with Indonesia.

“Indonesia is a very important partner for the US in the region. And I agree completely with the Ambassador, that it is working together, as between the United States and Indonesia, that we will accomplish great things for both of our countries,” said Secretary Raimondo, who was the first woman to serve as the Governor of Rhode Island (2015-2021).

She also shared several key initiatives by the Commerce Department that will be conducted in Indonesia in the near future: the Advanced Manufacturing Business Development Mission (October 2022), the Aerospace and Defense Trade Mission (November 2022), and the Trade Winds (March 2023).

Ambassador Rosan then invited Secretary Raimondo and other VVIP guests to the Tumpengan procession (slicing the top of a cone-shaped yellow rice), wishing for stronger Indonesia-US relations.

The reception featured various Indonesian culinary specialties such as gado-gado, rendang, and meatballs, as well as cultural performances of gamelan and Balinese dance.

The event was concluded with a special performance by David Foster, the famous musician, composer, and music producer, along with the talented singer and actress Katharine McPhee, finalist of the 2006 American Idol.