Prey Veng (FN), Jul. 9 – The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh and members of the Indonesian community in Cambodia came together to revive the Indonesia-Cambodia Friendship Primary and Secondary School in Prey Veng Province. The event signified an important contribution to the local community, as the two countries celebrate the 65th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations and the 79th anniversary of Indonesia's independence.

The re-inauguration ceremony of the newly renovated school was held on 6 July 2024. It was attended by Santo Darmosumarto, the Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia, Suon Somalin, the Governor of Prey Veng, and Tonn Sa Im, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports. Also present were donors from the Indonesian community, including representatives of Indonesian businesses.

The renovation process, which cost more than USD 34.000, included the provision of new school supplies, lab supplies, furniture, restrooms, a reading area, and a new school gate. The effort was entirely supported by kind donations from Embassy staff and members of the Indonesian community, which these days amount to almost 100.000 people.

"This joint effort by the Indonesian community is a testament to the enduring friendship between Indonesia and Cambodia," said Ambassador Santo. The school was built with funds donated by the Indonesian Government in 1995. It has over 790 students ranging from those in kindergarten to secondary level.

Arik Mintorogo, Chairman of the Indonesian Community Association in Cambodia stated, "We are proud to be part of this meaningful project. Revitalizing this school not only provides better educational facilities for the students but also strengthens the bonds between the Indonesian community and the our local, kind hosts."

“The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh and the Indonesian community in Cambodia are committed to ensuring that the students of the Indonesia-Cambodia Friendship Primary and Secondary School have the necessary facilities to conduct their studies,” Ambassador Santo further stated. “These students are the future of Indonesia-Cambodia cooperation”.

The Indonesia-Cambodia diplomatic relations were established in 1959 with the signing of Treaty of Friendship between the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of Cambodia. Indonesia will be celebrating its 79th Independence Day on 17 August 2024.
=FRESH NEWS