600 attend Malaysia's National Day reception in Indonesia

Guests present at the Malaysian Embassy Hall in Kuningan comprised foreign diplomats, politicians, media figures, local industry leaders, Malaysian professionals and businessmen.

Charge d'Affaires Adlan Mohd Shaffieq and his wife Nur Nadiah Hidayat, who are also Counsellors at the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to ASEAN were seen welcoming the guests.

Among other dignitaries who attended were Secretary-General of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Bengkulu Governor Dr Rohidin Mersyah and head of the Indonesian chapter of Malaysian-Indonesian Journalists' Association Asro Kamal Rokan.

Guests were served satay, char kuey teow, Musang King durian and teh tarik and were entertained to cultural dances by the children of the embassy staff and the Women's Association of the Foreign Ministry.

After singing the national anthems of the two countries and reciting prayers, Adlan escorted Sri Mulyani to the main stage.

Impressed by the presence of so many guests, Adlan expressed confidence that Malaysia-Indonesia relations will survive in the face of future challenges at the regional and global level.

In his welcome speech, he said: "Malaysia will continue to work closely with Indonesia as it assumes the position of ASEAN Chairman next year."

According to him, efforts have been carried out at various levels to strengthen relations and cooperation in the human resources, tourism, education, defence, culture, investment and trade sectors.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri has also made two working visits to Indonesia, in November 2021 and April 2022.

Four memorandums of understanding were successfully signed and renewed, namely in education, defence cooperation, recruitment and protection of Indonesian domestic servants and Customs cooperation.

Other collaborations in the works include the joint nomination of five intangible cultural heritages to UNESCO, namely the kebaya, plate dance, kuda kepang, perpatih custom, and Teromba poetry, Adlan said.