Indonesians Welcome Sultan's Visit
By Azaraimy HH in Jakarta

Bandar Seri Begawan - Indonesians welcomed His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan's three-thy State Visit to the largest archipelago in the Southeast Asia region, saying that they have always felt close with the people of Brunei Darussalam.

In His Majesty's titah during the State Banquet at Istana Negara in Jakarta earlier this week, the monarch said for more than 20 years Brunei and Indonesia have been standing shoulder-to-shoulder in developing bilateral relationships.

This relation is not only based on language and cultural ties, but also has strong and cordial personal relationships between the people of the two nations, His Majesty added.

"What differentiate between Bruneians and the people of Indonesia is just geographical boundaries," said Intan, a reporter from the Republic of Indonesia. According to her, as well as most of the media personnel, Bruneians and Indonesians are "Serumpun", which loosely translates "people who come from one root".

Meanwhile, Supriati Bont, who was staying at the Grand Hayyatt Hotel — the same hotel where His Majesty stayed throughout the State Visit — said that it was a thrilling experience to see the Brunei ruler.

Supriati, who is a businessman, hoped that there would be more cultural exchanges between the two countries in the years to come. He said that he was very interested in learning more about business opportunities that are available in the Sultanate.

In His Majesty's titah, the monarch invited Indonesia to look at investment opportunities in mutually profitable areas in Brunei.

His Majesty said the two countries have strong links culturally because the population is mostly Muslim.

The people-to-people ties between the two nations are expected to be strengthened with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cultural Cooperation.

The MoU could further enhance cooperation in the field of arts and serve as a means to create greater opportunities for people-to-people contacts that would lead to better appreciation and understanding of the strong bond of brotherhood that exists between the two countries.

Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei, Herijanto Soeprapto, who accompanied His Majesty during the State Visit told the Bulletin that a cultural delegation from Aceh would be performing in Brunei in the coming weeks.

The upcoming show is the first of a series of events that have been lined up following the signing of the MoU earlier this week.

The ambassador encouraged Bruneians to visit Indonesia during the country's 2008 Visit Indonesia campaign. He said that the two countries could work hand-in-hand in the field of oil and agriculture.

Herijanto thanked His Majesty for making the State Visit to Indonesia, which has helped enhance the already strong bond between the two nations. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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