TEHRAN – The Indonesian Ambassador to Iran, Roliansyah Sumirat, emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural relations and people-to-people connections between Iran and Indonesia, alongside traditional economic and political cooperation.

Speaking at a press meeting with Iranian journalists on Monday, Ambassador Sumirat noted that his engagement with the media offered a valuable opportunity to become better acquainted with Iran, saying, “It has been one month since I assumed my post as Indonesia’s ambassador to Iran, and this meeting provides a meaningful chance to deepen mutual understanding.”

The ambassador expressed gratitude for the participation of Iranian journalists in the “Introduction Trip to Indonesia” program, describing it as an effective platform for promoting cooperation and enhancing bilateral ties. “We hope the participants will gain an accurate understanding of Indonesian culture, tourism, and opportunities, and help introduce these aspects to the Iranian public,” he said.

Sumirat highlighted the embassy’s efforts to design a well-prepared program despite logistical limitations, emphasizing that the initiative is intended to create a conducive environment for interaction. “We hope cooperation will extend beyond this program into further discussions and expanded collaboration in the future,” he added.

Addressing questions on media collaboration, the ambassador pointed to the potential for expanding existing ties between Iranian and Indonesian media organizations. “We seek to create opportunities for greater understanding and awareness between the media of both countries,” he said, noting that memoranda of understanding could be signed to formalize such cooperation.

The ambassador stressed that media serve as a bridge between the peoples of the two nations, reinforcing both official and people-to-people ties. “We hope Iranian journalists will gain a deeper understanding of Indonesian culture and traditions, while Indonesian journalists will also become more familiar with Iran’s heritage,” he said.

At the close of the meeting, he thanked Iranian media professionals for their engagement and expressed hope that the dialogue would mark the beginning of broader cooperation between Iran and Indonesia.