On Thursday, August 1, 2024, the Swiss National Day was celebrated in a grand reception at Ayana Midplaza Hotel's Ballroom, hosted by the Ambassador of Switzerland, Olivier Zehnder, and Mrs. Frédérique Zehnder-Mérot. The event was graced by the presence of Indonesia's Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf), Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, who attended as an official representative of the Indonesian government.

The celebration marked not only the founding day of Switzerland but also the 73rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Switzerland. The Swiss National Day, commemorated annually on August 1st, was organized by the Embassy of Switzerland in Indonesia, celebrating the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

A Joyous Occasion

The Swiss National Day in Jakarta was a vibrant and lively affair, featuring a cultural parade, authentic Swiss cuisine, and musical performances. According to the official social media account of the Swiss Embassy in Indonesia, the celebration included a heartwarming moment when several Swiss nationals residing in Indonesia sang the Indonesian national anthem, "Indonesia Raya." The festivities were further enlivened by a Balinese dance performance, reflecting the cultural exchange between the nations.

Ambassador Olivier Zehnder expressed his appreciation for the strong bond between Indonesia and Switzerland. He highlighted the enduring friendship and cooperation that have flourished over the years.

Minister Sandiaga Uno echoed these sentiments, extending congratulations and gratitude for the successful organization of the Swiss National Day. He remarked, "Since 1952, Indonesia and Switzerland have nurtured a lasting friendship. I believe this will bring progress and prosperity to both our countries, and I hope the friendship between Indonesia and Switzerland will continue to grow for years to come."

Long-Term Cooperation

The bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Switzerland spans various sectors, including development, tourism, law, investment, and trade. This year, the two countries successfully ratified an investment agreement, further solidifying their economic ties.

In the tourism sector, Indonesia and Switzerland have established a long-term partnership focusing on sustainable tourism development since 2018. This collaboration continues to evolve, with the Indonesia-Swiss Sustainable Tourism project involving the Lombok Tourism Polytechnic. "We are currently preparing to sign a new memorandum of understanding, including new cooperation in sustainable tourism development," Sandiaga revealed.

He also noted that the relationship between Indonesia and Switzerland would strengthen with a shared perspective on global issues, including human rights and world peace.