(26 September 2024, Jakarta) - Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Gina A. Jamoralin participated in the Ambassador Talks segment of the 2024 International Relations Cultural Fair (IR Cultural Fair) organized by the Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, with the theme: “Diversity is our Strength: Different but United.” The IR Cultural Fair aimed to educate students of International Relations on embracing cultural diversity and its power to ease global political tensions.

In line with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Indonesia, Ambassador Jamoralin highlighted the Philippines’ strong and harmonious partnership with Indonesia, owing to both countries' shared cultural heritage as maritime and archipelagic nations and as founding members of ASEAN.

Ambassador Jamoralin shared the Philippines’ many similarities with Indonesia. For instance, the Filipino language and Bahasa Indonesia have many words in common. Both countries are archipelagos with a large population of diverse religious beliefs. She shared that these similarities allow for more people-to-people connection between both countries. She also emphasized that student exchanges provide Filipinos and Indonesians an immersive education on the Philippines and Indonesia’s shared history and culture.

Ambassador Jamoralin expressed the hope that through her participation in the university’s IR Cultural Fair, Indonesia’s future leaders will gain a deeper appreciation for the strong kinship between the Philippines and Indonesia.

Joining the Philippine Ambassador in the talk show is the Ambassador of Ethiopia, Prof. Fekadu Beyene Aleka, and the First Secretary of the Pakistani Embassy, Ms. Masooma Bushra Ali. END.