Indonesia Week Held by HKSAR to Boost Trade, Tourism, and Investment
Indonesia Week 2024 concluded not long ago, featuring a lineup of prominent events designed to enhance relationships between Indonesia and China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
TroibNews 
Indonesia Week Hong Kong 2024 was held from November 1 to 3, featuring a series of prominent events designed to strengthen the relationship between Indonesia and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of China.
The Consulate General of Indonesia in the HKSAR organized the event, highlighting a significant opportunity to enhance collaboration with a focus on cross-sector partnerships that aim to improve both economic and cultural exchanges.
During his recent address, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee emphasized the government’s dedication to improving relations with Indonesia and other countries in Southeast Asia. "I am pleased to say that expanding relations with Indonesia and the countries of Southeast Asia is a priority of the HKSAR government," said Lee. He added that the government's policy agenda, which he outlined in a recent address, specifically prioritizes initiatives that benefit Indonesian communities as well as the broader ASEAN region.
In a recent interview, Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun highlighted one of the event's main goals: enhancing trade and investment with the HKSAR. The ambassador noted that, as of September, trade between Indonesia and the HKSAR had reached $6 billion, with the special administrative region being a crucial source of foreign investment for Indonesia.
The event also sought to foster academic exchanges, with Indonesia aiming to increase the number of its students in the HKSAR from the current enrollment of about 1,000. Several universities in the HKSAR are offering scholarships to attract more Indonesian students.
Furthermore, the Indonesian government has recently reinstated a visa exemption policy for HKSAR passport holders, allowing for up to 30 days of visa-free visits to Indonesia, a move that is anticipated to enhance people-to-people exchanges.
Yul Edison, consul general of Indonesia in the HKSAR, stressed that people-to-people connections are fundamental to fostering further cooperation between Indonesia, China, and the HKSAR across multiple sectors. Edison remarked on the robust trade and investment ties, which amounted to nearly $150 billion last year between Indonesia and China. He reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with the Chinese mainland while reflecting on past diplomatic efforts. He reiterated a focus on political security, economic development, and social culture, underscoring a desire to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership with China.
In addition to seminars and forums, Indonesia Week Hong Kong 2024 showcased a vibrant cultural celebration. A carnival in Wan Chai provided attendees with an immersive experience of Indonesia's rich culture through various activities.
Visitors had the chance to sample traditional Indonesian pastries, desserts, and snacks while enjoying ethnic fashion shows, pop music performances, and the energetic sounds of Dangdut music. The event created a lively atmosphere that offered both locals and tourists a taste of Southeast Asian hospitality.
Indonesia boasts one of the fastest-growing economies globally and stands as the largest economy among the ten ASEAN countries. With promising opportunities across sectors like trade, finance, tourism, and food, Indonesia is well-positioned for continued growth. As the country seeks new cooperation avenues with China, there is optimism among stakeholders regarding the expanding potential for collaboration across various industries.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
The Consulate General of Indonesia in the HKSAR organized the event, highlighting a significant opportunity to enhance collaboration with a focus on cross-sector partnerships that aim to improve both economic and cultural exchanges.
During his recent address, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee emphasized the government’s dedication to improving relations with Indonesia and other countries in Southeast Asia. "I am pleased to say that expanding relations with Indonesia and the countries of Southeast Asia is a priority of the HKSAR government," said Lee. He added that the government's policy agenda, which he outlined in a recent address, specifically prioritizes initiatives that benefit Indonesian communities as well as the broader ASEAN region.
In a recent interview, Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun highlighted one of the event's main goals: enhancing trade and investment with the HKSAR. The ambassador noted that, as of September, trade between Indonesia and the HKSAR had reached $6 billion, with the special administrative region being a crucial source of foreign investment for Indonesia.
The event also sought to foster academic exchanges, with Indonesia aiming to increase the number of its students in the HKSAR from the current enrollment of about 1,000. Several universities in the HKSAR are offering scholarships to attract more Indonesian students.
Furthermore, the Indonesian government has recently reinstated a visa exemption policy for HKSAR passport holders, allowing for up to 30 days of visa-free visits to Indonesia, a move that is anticipated to enhance people-to-people exchanges.
Yul Edison, consul general of Indonesia in the HKSAR, stressed that people-to-people connections are fundamental to fostering further cooperation between Indonesia, China, and the HKSAR across multiple sectors. Edison remarked on the robust trade and investment ties, which amounted to nearly $150 billion last year between Indonesia and China. He reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with the Chinese mainland while reflecting on past diplomatic efforts. He reiterated a focus on political security, economic development, and social culture, underscoring a desire to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership with China.
In addition to seminars and forums, Indonesia Week Hong Kong 2024 showcased a vibrant cultural celebration. A carnival in Wan Chai provided attendees with an immersive experience of Indonesia's rich culture through various activities.
Visitors had the chance to sample traditional Indonesian pastries, desserts, and snacks while enjoying ethnic fashion shows, pop music performances, and the energetic sounds of Dangdut music. The event created a lively atmosphere that offered both locals and tourists a taste of Southeast Asian hospitality.
Indonesia boasts one of the fastest-growing economies globally and stands as the largest economy among the ten ASEAN countries. With promising opportunities across sectors like trade, finance, tourism, and food, Indonesia is well-positioned for continued growth. As the country seeks new cooperation avenues with China, there is optimism among stakeholders regarding the expanding potential for collaboration across various industries.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
