In a landmark year for Indonesia-Cambodia relations, the upcoming Suosdey Indonesia exhibition promises to further solidify the already strong ties between the two nations. 

As Indonesia and Cambodia celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations, the September 13-14 event at the Diamond Island Exhibition and Convention Center in Koh Pich, Phnom Penh, marks an important cultural and economic exchange.

At a press conference held on August 30 at the Indonesian embassy in Phnom Penh, Indonesian ambassador to Cambodia Santo Darmosumarto highlighted the importance of the celebration in the broader context of the two countries’ longstanding relationship. 

“As you know, 2024 is a significant year for Indonesia-Cambodia relations, as we celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries," he said. 

Darmosumarto underscored that the exhibition is more than just a trade and tourism promotion event, saying that it reflects the deepening connections between the two countries across multiple spheres.

This year’s exhibit, which has been rebranded from the Indonesia Trade and Tourism Promotion (ITTP) to Suosdey Indonesia, is expected to be a considerable upgrade from previous editions. 

“We have actually carried out Suosdey Indonesia, or as it was previously called, the ITTP, 14 times since 2006,” the ambassador explained. “But this year, as the 15th, we decided to change the name to Suosdey Indonesia to make it more relatable to our Cambodian friends and also Cambodian consumers here.”

He said this signals a new chapter in Indonesia-Cambodia relations and expressed hope that in the coming years, cooperation between the two countries will expand in various areas, including trade and economics.

According to Darmosumarto, the exhibition will feature over 100 booths – more than double the number from the previous year – showcasing a wide array of Indonesian products and services. 

The event will not only focus on economic diplomacy but also on cultural and educational exchanges. 

"Suosdey Indonesia goes beyond conventional trade and tourism promotion. It is also an event designed to showcase Indonesia's art, culture, culinary delights and educational opportunities," the ambassador stated.

He highlighted that the event will also focus on strengthening people-to-people exchanges and business connections between the two nations. 

Visitors can look forward to business matching sessions, opportunities to explore Indonesian tourism destinations like Bali and Borobudur and an education fair showcasing study opportunities in Indonesia, including government scholarships, he noted. 

"There will be cultural performances throughout the day featuring Indonesian dancers or Cambodian dancers who study Indonesian dance at our Indonesian Cultural Center here in Phnom Penh, as well as Indonesian and Cambodian singers," said Darmosumarto.

"Of course, we will also feature culinary delights with a selection of delectable Indonesian dishes," he added.

He mentioned that the event will feature a diverse array of exhibitors, including well-established enterprises, educational institutions, restaurants and companies from the automotive sector. 

The ambassador said that the majority of participants will be Indonesian businesses, with a significant presence of Cambodian firms that import Indonesian products and services. 

“We will have eight universities and educational service providers, nine restaurants that will provide Indonesian cuisines and four companies in the automotive sector," he explained.

Darmosumarto highlighted the growing Indonesian community in Cambodia – which now numbers nearly 100,000 – and shared his optimism that Suosdey Indonesia would attract an even larger audience than in previous years. 

He said last year’s event drew over 3,000 visitors, and the organisers are aiming to double that number this year. 

“We expect up to 6,000 people to attend the activities in Koh Pich on Friday and Saturday, September 13 and 14,” he added.