(Phnom Penh): Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia Santo Darmosumarto said that the young generation holds the key to our future. Their involvement is vital in advancing Indonesia-Cambodia relations.

Ambassador Santo Darmosumarto spoke during a public lecture at the Royal University of Law and Economics (RULE). The event formed part of a week-long campus outreach campaign aimed at strengthening public diplomacy and educational ties between the two nations.

The lecture series commenced on 22 April 2025 at Norton University, where more than 200 students from diverse academic backgrounds engaged in an open dialogue with the Ambassador about the evolving Indonesia-Cambodia partnership. Subsequent sessions were held at RULE and the National University of Management (NUM), bringing the total number of student participants to approximately 750.

In his welcoming address, Professor Hor Peng, Rector of NUM and an alumnus of Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, expressed optimism that the Ambassador’s visit would inspire lasting interest in Indonesia among Cambodian students. He highlighted the deepening collaboration between higher education institutions in both countries.

At Norton University, Rector Professor Chan Sok Khieng emphasised the historical and cultural connections between the Indonesian and Cambodian peoples, noting that these long-standing ties should be transformed into tangible programs—particularly those involving youth from both nations.

During his lectures, Ambassador Santo traced the roots of Indonesia-Cambodia relations to the era of King Jayavarman II, and highlighted key moments in the modern era, such as the friendship between President Sukarno and Cambodian Late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, and Indonesia’s pivotal role in Cambodia’s peace process. He also discussed recent developments in bilateral economic cooperation.

The ambassador’s campus engagements were met with enthusiastic participation from students, many of whom inquired about study opportunities in Indonesia, including scholarships. Several students also sought the ambassador’s advice on pursuing careers in diplomacy.

This lecture series is part of the Indonesian Embassy’s broader initiative to foster meaningful engagement with Cambodian youth and promote higher education cooperation. In 2024, Ambassador Santo delivered lectures at seven universities across Phnom Penh and the provinces of Battambang, Kampong Speu, and Siem Reap. Additional university visits are planned for later this year.
=FRESH NEWS