Message from the Ambassador, H.E. Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri
As Pakistan celebrates its 78th Independence Day on 14 August 2025, and Indonesia marks its 80th Independence Day on 17 August 2025, this year holds a significance that transcends national milestones. In 2025, we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between our two nations—a moment to reflect on a friendship rooted in history, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future.
Indonesia and Pakistan, the world’s fourth and fifth most populous countries respectively, together represent nearly half a billion people. Beyond our geographic proximity in the greater Asian region, we are bound by common values, shared faith, historical experiences, and enduring solidarity.
The foundations of our relationship were laid by our founding fathers. Inspired by Indonesia’s valiant struggle against colonialism, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah called upon the Muslims of the subcontinent to offer moral and material support to the Indonesian cause. Responding to Quaid-e-Azam’s call, around 600 volunteers—many of whom left their positions in the British Indian Army—joined hands with their Indonesian brothers in their fight for freedom. In a powerful gesture of gratitude, Indonesia posthumously awarded its highest civilian honour, the “Adipurna,” to Quaid-e-Azam during its Golden Jubilee celebrations in 1995. This spirit of solidarity has stood the test of time.
Over the decades, Pakistan–Indonesia relations have evolved into a comprehensive and multifaceted partnership, encompassing political, economic, defense, and cultural domains. We have also stood by one another in times of humanitarian crisis. Pakistan was among the first to provide emergency assistance to Aceh following the devastating 2004 tsunami, while Indonesia extended generous aid to Pakistan during the catastrophic floods of 2010. These moments of solidarity remain etched in the hearts of our peoples.
On the economic front, a major milestone was achieved with the signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement in 2012. Bilateral trade increased from US$1.65 billion in 2012 to US$4.1 billion in 2024, peaking at a record US$5.02 billion in 2022. Yet, the true potential of our trade remains underutilized. There exists considerable scope for growth in sectors such as textiles, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and industrial goods.
Pakistan’s robust textile industry—accounting for 60% of our exports—offers Indonesian businesses access to high-quality products at globally competitive prices. Additionally, Pakistan’s leather goods, surgical instruments, and agricultural products are well-suited to meet Indonesia’s growing industrial and consumer demands. In return, Indonesian exports such as palm oil, automotive components, and processed foods are increasingly in demand within Pakistan.
Emerging sectors such as Information Technology also present exciting opportunities for collaboration. With over 130 million internet users and the world’s third-largest freelance workforce, Pakistan is rapidly establishing itself as a digital innovation hub. The country hosts nearly 20,000 registered IT firms and has attracted over US$1 billion in startup investment over the past five years. This creates a natural partnership with Indonesia’s growing digital economy, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, fintech, e-commerce, and robotics.
Healthcare is another area of mutual strength. Pakistan’s medical professionals and institutions are internationally recognized, while Indonesia continues to make remarkable strides in public health and medical infrastructure. Joint training, hospital partnerships, and collaborative research can lead to tangible benefits for both nations.
Defense cooperation remains a cornerstone of our bilateral relations. This collaboration holds vast potential—whether through joint production ventures, sharing expertise in indigenous defense technologies, or expanding training programs for armed forces personnel. The recent visit of Indonesia’s Minister of Defense, Sjafrie Sjamsoedin, to Pakistan in July 2025 reaffirmed our mutual resolve to deepen engagement in this vital sector.
Education must also remain central to our partnership. Scholarships, academic exchanges, collaborative research, and youth engagement programs are vital investments in our future. Presently, over 200 Pakistani students are pursuing higher education at Indonesian universities, while more than 300 Indonesians are studying across various institutions in Pakistan. These exchanges cultivate understanding, foster innovation, and strengthen the bonds between our future generations.
Tourism offers yet another avenue for cooperation. Indonesia’s rich biodiversity and stunning island landscapes, and Pakistan’s breathtaking mountains, ancient heritage, and diverse cultural traditions, present vast opportunities to promote bilateral tourism. Establishing stronger tourism infrastructure and connectivity can unlock the potential of this sector.
To this end, enhancing people-to-people contact is essential. Direct air connectivity between our countries would serve as a catalyst—facilitating travel, trade, and cultural exchange. It is an investment that can pay dividends across sectors.
As Ambassador of Pakistan to Indonesia, I am continually heartened by the warmth, generosity, and goodwill extended by the Indonesian people toward Pakistan. The Pakistani community in Indonesia, through its contributions in academia, business, and society, serves as a living bridge between our nations.
Seventy-five years on, the Pakistan–Indonesia relationship is not simply a matter of diplomatic record—it is a living, evolving partnership grounded in mutual respect and a shared aspiration for peace and prosperity. As Pakistan marks its 78th year of independence, let us reaffirm our resolve to further strengthen this enduring bond—expanding cooperation, deepening understanding, and shaping a brighter, more prosperous future for our peoples.
Long live Pakistan. Long live the Pakistan–Indonesia friendship.
