Manila Bulletin
Embassies at Work
Ambassador Widjojo highlights economic, climate, and cultural cooperation
Embassies at Work
Ambassador Widjojo highlights economic, climate, and cultural cooperation
Ambassador Widjojo highlights economic, climate, and cultural cooperation
Published Oct 13, 2025 01:40 pm
Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Agus Widjojo
The Embassy of Indonesia in the Philippines welcomed members of the press to a media luncheon held on Sept. 30 at the Roma Salon of The Manila Hotel. Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Agus Widjojo, dressed in his signature vibrant batik shirt, greeted guests with warmth, wit, and charisma—setting a relaxed and engaging tone for the afternoon.
When asked how Indonesia and the Philippines could further strengthen their 70-year-old diplomatic ties, Ambassador Widjojo responded with a lighthearted remark:
"This is a never-ending question. If this year is stronger, you’ll still have another question: how can you make it stronger for next year?"
The gathering, attended by key embassy officials and media representatives, marked the first formal press event since 2022. It also served as a prelude to the upcoming celebration of the 76th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the Philippines, to be commemorated on Nov. 24.
During the media briefing ,Ambassador Agus Widjojo addressed a range of pressing topics—from economic growth and climate adaptation to education, labor concerns, and the future of Indonesia–Philippines relations. Responding to a question about the parallel economic trajectories of the Philippines and Indonesia—both posting over 5% growth in the second quarter—Ambassador Widjojo emphasized the importance of creativity and innovation in sustaining momentum.
Ambassador Agus Widjojo, joined by embassy officials, poses with members of the media: (seated from left) Aica Dacuno, League Magazine, Michaela Del Callar; GMA Online, Lolly Acosta, DWIZ; Victorina Hesti Dewayani, Deputy Chief of Mission, Indonesian Embassy; Ambassador Agus Widjojo, Indonesian Embassy ; Michael Alexander Ang, The Manila Times; Badette Cunanan, Manila Bulletin; Bernadette Reyes, GMA Network; Grace Bondad Nicolas, Tag Media Group/Rising Tigers Magazine.
(Standing from left) Mila Tarigan, first secretary, Indonesian Embassy; Chino Hansel Philyang, Asian TV Heritage Network/Global Asia Insider; Kathleen De Villa, Philippine Daily Inquirer; Nina Yulianti, Education Attache, Indonesian Embassy; Pamela D. Samia, Philippine News Agency; Maebel Guia Acosta, DWIZ; Avi Dewani Sari Harahap, Minister Counsellor, Indonesian Embassy; Col Meldi, Defense Attache, Indonesian Embassy; Edi Suharto, Minister Counsellor, Indonesian Embassy; Martin Pandapotan, Trade Attache; Adek Triana Yudhaswari, Minister Counsellor, Indonesian Embassy; Toto Kuswantoro, First Secretary, Indonesian Embassy; Bien Manalo, PTV; Angela Ortinero, Tag Media Group/Rising Tigers Magazine
"With similar growth patterns, we face shared challenges. But these challenges can be transformed into opportunities through innovation," he said.
He added that regional collaboration could enhance competitiveness: "Rather than competing, it’s better if we blend together and form a stronger economic entity. That would position us better against other regional powers."
On climate adaptation, the ambassador acknowledged the increasing severity of natural threats such as typhoons and flooding, which transcend national borders.
During the media briefing, Ambassador Agus Widjojo and key representatives of the Embassy shared insights and updates with the members of the media
"These threats are no longer confined to one country—they’re global. Solutions must be collective," he said.
He encouraged regional cooperation and the exchange of best practices, noting that both countries can learn from each other’s community-based sustainability efforts.
When asked about Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Indonesia facing legal issues, Ambassador Widjojo clarified that such cases are handled through bilateral legal mechanisms.
"It’s an ongoing process that must follow the legal framework between our two nations. Decisions will be made based on investigation and due process," he explained.
The ambassador also highlighted growing academic exchanges between Indonesia and the Philippines.
"We offer scholarships and Indonesian language courses, both online and offline, through 16 universities and 5 colleges," he shared.
Currently, 250 faculty members are involved in these programs, with hopes of expanding university partnerships in the coming year.
He also acknowledged the role of media in bridging diplomatic and public understanding, jokingly noting the importance of translation between “diplomatic language” and “media language”—a task handled by Badette Cunanan of Manila Bulletin, during the media briefing.
On Indonesia–Philippines relations, Ambassador Widjojo shared: "Indonesia and the Philippines’ cooperation spans across various sectors, including health initiatives, disease surveillance, health systems, and regional collaboration."
He also emphasized the significance of the upcoming milestone:
"This year marks the 76th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the Philippines on Nov. 24. Hopefully, media can help expand the momentum of the celebration to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between our two countries."
Ambassador Agus Widjojo presents raffle prizes to lucky winners Lolly Acosta of DWIZ and Jim Gomez of the Associated Press during the media luncheon
Closing the briefing, the ambassador underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy and sustainable follow-up beyond embassy-led initiatives. "Cultural exchange is one of the most enjoyable aspects of our work. We hope future collaborations will extend beyond the embassy to direct partnerships between institutions in both countries," he said.
The media briefing reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to deepening ties with the Philippines across multiple sectors, guided by shared growth, regional solidarity, and enduring friendship.