Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Awarding of the State Star of Greatness “Darjah Kerabat Laila Utama Yang Amat Dihormati” at the Nurul Iman Palace, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, Wednesday, May 14, 2025

To whom I honor and glorify His Majesty His Majesty Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam;

Ladies and Gentlemen,

First of all, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Indonesia and on my own behalf, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and highest appreciation for the warm and extraordinary welcome extended to us during this state visit.

I have had the pleasure of visiting Brunei Darussalam many times and feel a deep sense of comfort and familiarity. I would like to extend my stay. However, many responsibilities come with serving as president, and I must return tonight to deliver a speech before the Indonesian Parliament.

This visit holds great significance for us. As has been rightly mentioned, our two nations share common roots — we are of the same stock, the same culture, the same history, the same language, and the same faith. We do not just feel like family — we truly are family.

With the trust placed in me to serve as President of the Republic of Indonesia, I am fully committed to preserving and strengthening this close and enduring relationship. Through continued cooperation as fellow members of ASEAN, we can support one another and stand united in the face of global and regional uncertainties.

On this special occasion, I would also like to express my most profound personal gratitude to His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam for graciously attending my inauguration as President of the Republic of Indonesia. This is truly an honor for me since I have felt like a friend of the Sultan since we were young. Although I still feel young at heart. Our friendship now spans more than 60 years. I take great pride in the fact that this bond has remained unbroken.

Once again, believe me, what was said earlier is true. If Brunei were to feel pain, we in Indonesia would feel it too. We are very proud to have a good friend, Brunei Darussalam.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(GWH/EP)