(Kratie): “The close, historical ties between the Indonesian and Cambodian peoples provide solid a foundation to strengthen the partnership between Indonesia and Kratie,” said Santo Darmosumarto, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Cambodia, during a meeting with Deputy Governor of Kratie Province Heng Sotha.

The meeting took place on 1 September 2025, as part of a series of visits to two northeastern Cambodian provinces bordering Vietnam, Kratie and Mondulkiri. Trade and investment cooperation, along with people-to-people partnership as well as citizen service for Indonesians, were the main topics of discussion between the Ambassador and Deputy Governor.

On trade, the Ambassador noted that Indonesian products have become well-known and accepted by Cambodian consumers. Bilateral trade surpassed USD 1 billion in 2023 and 2024.

Indonesia is ready to supply quality products amid recent disruptions in the availability of several consumer goods and imported commodities in Cambodia. “The entry of more Indonesian products would provide a wider variety of choices for the people of Kratie,” the ambassador added.

To this end, Ambassador Santo highlighted the Indonesian Embassy’s efforts to promote Indonesia–Kratie business interactions. The target is to achieve a more balanced trade between the two countries. Furthermore, the Ambassador invited Kratie business leaders to participate in Trade Expo Indonesia 2025 on 15–19 October 2025.

On people-to-people partnership, Ambassador Santo suggested that the sizeable Muslim community in Kratie has the potential to promote strong bonds of friendship. Cooperation in education can also broaden such opportunities, particularly in promoting economic partnerships. The Ambassador hoped more Kratie students would benefit from scholarships offered by the Indonesian Government to pursue studies in Indonesia.

The ambassador also expressed appreciation for Kratie Government’s support in taking care of Indonesian nationals caught in online scam operations.

In his remarks, Deputy Governor Sotha welcomed the Indonesian Government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Kratie. He expressed hope for investment from Indonesia in Kratie’s priority sectors, namely agro-industry, agriculture, and tourism.

The Deputy Governor also conveyed hopes for exploring a sister province partnership to enhance Kratie’s engagement with Indonesia. Ambassador Santo responded positively to this proposal and expressed readiness to facilitate communication with relevant ministries in Indonesia.

During the visit, the ambassador also took the opportunity to visit one of Cambodia’s first and largest granite mines, which has been exporting granite to various countries.
=FRESH NEWS