WION interviewed Sidharto Suryodipuro, Indonesia’s ambassador to India.
WION interviewed Sidharto Suryodipuro, Indonesia’s ambassador to India. Indonesian President will visit India on Republic Day and attend the parade with 9 other head states from ASEAN region. Sidharto spoke on strong cultural bonds starting from Ramayana and Mahabharata which exists between India and Indonesia and how both can partner each other in many areas.
Q: Both India and Indonesia have strong cultural and economic ties which goes back to ancient times. How have the ties evolved in last three years?
A: I would not be surprised to find that the ties may even go back before 2nd century AD because we share Mahabharata and Ramayana. We have both culture and history to build upon. In the last three years, we have worked on all sectors. We welcome Indian tourists and political relationship has been very strong. Now we are talking about maritime security. Economically, we are working to increase trade and investments. Both in Delhi and Jakarta we have been very upbeat about the prospect of this relationship.
Q: How do you see the presence of 10 head of states from ASEAN countries present during the Republic Day parade?
A: It would be unprecedented and first for India. For Indonesia, it would be first for our President. I also recall that the first Republic Day parade was attended by President Sukarno in Delhi. We go back a long way. So, this time when the President of Indonesia comes, it would be the third time.
Q: How do you see India’s commitment towards ASEAN economies and its Look East policy?
A: We want to work with India so that we can substantiate its Act East policy. We want physical and other forms of connectivity to increase. In South East Asia, we don't say we have too much of India, it’s just that we don’t have enough of India.
Q: What are those areas where Indian and Indonesian interests can converge?
A: Currently, I’m focusing on air and maritime connectivity. We are building another layer of relationship while we talk at the political level. We are also talking about security but it is people to people relationship which creates a balance in the relationship. It will enrich the relationship at socio-cultural and educational side. Maritime connectivity existed in past. The Eastern side of India was directly connected with Java and Sumatra. We were connected to Kalinga but all that has gone and it needs to be rebuild.
Q; Apart from economy, India’s concern is also terrorism. India is a victim of terrorism which flows from across the border. What is Indonesia’s position on it?
A: It is a problem which we are all facing. Terrorism and radicalism is a problem we all share. We are in talks with our counterparts for preparing events and countering terrorism and radicalization and violent extremism. India and Indonesia can draw from the depth of tradition to fight extremism and terrorism. We have tradition to fall back upon to fight against such trends.
Q: So, we have a civilizational connect?
A: Absolutely. These are societies which have been tolerant and multicultural and accepted various teachings.
Q: Lot of artists are coming in from various ASEAN countries. Tell us about those coming from your country?
A: There will be a Ramayana troupe coming from the island of Bali. The story remains the same but there will be modifications and some figures which don’t exist in original Ramayana in India. Our troupe will be on the classical side. The Balinese Ramayana and dresses are very elaborate. That is for the Indian audience to tell us. I have seen Indian Ramayana in Delhi. It is very dynamic and is done within 2.5 hours.
Q: Different from Balinese Ramayana?
A: Very different in presentation. Indian side is very fast and energetic but Balinese side is focused on movement. Slow movements require patience and stamina.
Q: What steps should be taken by both countries to forge more intimate bonds?
A: Air connectivity is must. There are 28 flights from Indonesia to India but none of the Indian carriers are flying to Indonesia. Another is movies as Indian movies are wildly popular in Indonesia. My wife just watched Jodha Akbar. My mother-in-law also watches Indian movies and recently watched Dangal and PK. Making of movies in both Indonesia and India would be an avenue to enhance awareness about what is India and Indonesia.
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 "Indonesia President Joko Widodo with Prime Minister Narendra Modi")
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