• Society

Indonesian Ambassador Sets Out Vision for Close Ties

• By Teng Yalirozy
• October 31, 2023 1:00 PM

PHNOM PENH – Eleven years after he left Cambodia, Santo Darmosumarto has returned as Indonesian Ambassador with a clear vision to enhance economic cooperation, people-to-people ties and services for his country’s citizens. 

Santo Darmosumarto arrived in the country in September and presented his credentials to King Norodom Sihamoni on Oct. 18. He had been in Cambodia in 2012  to attend the ASEAN summit when the country was the ASEAN Chair. 

Ties Not Yet at Peak

Indonesia and Cambodia have a long-standing historical relationship, established by President Soekarno and King Norodom Sihanouk with 65 years of diplomatic relations. 

Indonesia participated in the peace process in Cambodia, facilitating the first Informal Meeting in Bogor and the second meeting in Jakarta as well as sending troops to the country in 1992 and 1993.

Ambassador Darmosumarto said ties between Cambodia and Indonesia have existed since ancient times, with kingdoms such as Majapahit, Regina, and members of the former Champa kingdom living in both countries. 

Since their independence and the establishment of diplomatic relations, cooperation has developed to benefit both countries' peoples, ensuring long-term benefits, he said.

“If you're asking me whether the cooperation right now is at its peak. I would have to say not yet,” he said. “If we're always looking up, I think there's a lot of room for us to explore in our cooperation.”

Ambassador Darmosumarto eyed the enhancement of economic cooperation, people-to-people ties and citizen services.



Ambassador Darmosumarto eyed the enhancement of economic cooperation, people-to-people ties and citizen services. Photo: Lay Long

Indonesia is the seventh largest trading partner in ASEAN, he said, with an ambition to become the 5th trading partner with Cambodia.

“I will, I will try my best to also encourage investments from Indonesia to come to Cambodia and explore the potential of continued economic growth here in Cambodia.

“We recognize that various international bodies have recognized that the potential for growth or economic growth of Cambodia after the pandemic is quite good,” he said.

In 2022, Indonesia-Cambodia trade reached $948 million, with Indonesia exporting $911 million and Cambodia importing $37 million.

Cambodia imports coal, tobacco, tractors, grains, medicines, machinery, essential oils and artificial graphite. Indonesia's main imports from Cambodia are garments and footwear.

Ambassador Darmosumarto also aimed to improve social interaction through scholarships, interactions and tourism.

“The interactions were historical. So the younger generations need to be reminded of the fact that because of our long history together, that means this is a strong basis for cooperation towards the future,” he said.

The last area he wanted to work on was to improve services to Indonesians living in Cambodia.

“I think there are around 16,000 Indonesians living in Cambodia, but some people are saying that the number could be double,” he said. “So, if it's 30,000, or even more, my embassy has to provide a lot of service for the Indonesians living here.”

A Diplomat Dream for Indonesia

Santo Darmosumarto became a diplomat around 21 years ago​ after dreaming about it since he was young.

He focuses on particular issues with a concentration on the Asia Pacific. He has represented Indonesia in China and used to live in Canada as well as Australia where he had friends and colleagues from Cambodia.

“I've always wanted to have the opportunity to visit as well as live in this part of the world, East Asia, as well as Southeast Asia,” he said. “So, I am very pleased to be here in Cambodia.

“Cambodia is not new for me. But definitely, now that I'm staying here and living here, it will be very interesting and how I could pursue my continued interests in Cambodian, and its people.”