Islamabad – In a masterful display of cultural diplomacy, His Excellency Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Pakistan, has orchestrated a landmark event that will forever strengthen the intellectual and cultural bonds between the two brotherly nations. The inauguration of the Indonesian Corner at the National Library of Pakistan on 27 November 2025 was not merely a ceremony; it was a strategic investment in the future of Indonesia-Pakistan relations.
The event, graced by the presence of Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, and leaders of both national libraries, resonated with a spirit of profound mutual respect. The gathering of all ASEAN Ambassadors, senior officials, and community leaders underscored the regional significance of this partnership.
A Bridge of Trust, Forged in Shared Respect
In his powerful address, Ambassador Sukotjo drew upon his distinguished military background to frame the initiative in terms of ultimate trust. “On the battlefield, the highest trust you can place in a colleague is to entrust them with your weapon,” he stated. “In that same spirit, Pakistan’s granting of this prestigious space for the Indonesian Corner is a profound act of trust in our nation and our enduring friendship. We honor this trust and will repay it with unwavering commitment.”
This sentiment was echoed by Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, who declared the Corner a “bridge between our peoples” that will empower students, researchers, and all visitors with greater access to Indonesia’s rich literary and intellectual traditions.
From Symbol to Substance: A Concrete Framework for Collaboration
The ceremony was elevated from symbolism to substance with the signing of a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Library of Indonesia and the National Library of Pakistan. This agreement establishes a formal framework for cooperation in library and information management, ensuring long-term, institutionalized collaboration.
The Director General of the National Library of Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Ali Shahzad Muzaffar, affirmed his commitment to this partnership. Meanwhile, Dr. Joko Santoso, Prime Secretary of the UNESCO/JIKJI Prize-winning National Library of Indonesia, pledged a donation of 1,000 books, ensuring the Corner becomes a dynamic and growing resource.
A Living Tribute to a Deepening Alliance
The event was a multi-sensory celebration of the bilateral relationship. Guests were treated to a vibrant showcase of Indonesian culture, from the resonant melodies of the Javanese Gamelan to a captivating medley of Archipelago dances, all while savoring an array of traditional Indonesian snacks.
In a poignant gesture, Ambassador Sukotjo presented copies of the commemorative book, “75 Years of Indonesia and Pakistan Diplomatic Relations,” to distinguished guests, symbolizing a reflective past and an optimistic future.
The ceremonial ribbon-cutting and guided tour officially opened this new chapter, reaffirming both nations’ shared commitment to cultural diplomacy and mutual understanding. A subsequent two-day photo exhibition, in collaboration with the Indonesian News Agency Antara, further illustrated the deep, people-to-people ties that form the bedrock of this partnership.
Under the strategic and resolute leadership of Ambassador Chandra W. Sukotjo, this initiative has successfully laid a new cornerstone for the Indonesia-Pakistan relationship—one built on trust, enriched by knowledge, and destined to inspire generations of collaboration.
BY: Nadeem Faisal Baiga
