A speech by The Queen at the Indonesian State Banquet, 2012

Published

Your visit is an opportunity for us to develop all aspects of our relationship, from trade and investment to areas such as climate change and education.

Mr. President, Mrs. Yudhoyono,

Prince Philip and I are delighted to welcome you both to Buckingham Palace this evening. This year has been an important one for relations between Indonesia and the United Kingdom. Your visit marks a further step in strengthening our relationship, and follows that of my Prime Minister, whom you welcomed to Jakarta in April.

Our two island nations share a longer history than many imagine. More than 400 years ago Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the world. On that trip he was cordially received in Jakarta, becoming only the second European to visit Indonesia after Marco Polo. The ties between our countries endured in the centuries that followed. In the nineteenth century, Sir Stamford Raffles, a British name synonymous with South East Asia, was appointed Lieutenant Governor of the then Dutch East Indies. His book “History of Java” is enduring evidence of his affection for your country. He was particularly fascinated by your fauna and flora; and we are proud to have examples of some of the specimens sent back by him to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew.

Looking at the more recent past, Prince Philip and I remember fondly our State Visit to Indonesia in 1974, where we were struck in particular by the warmth of our reception.

But the Indonesia of today is of course greatly different from the one I experienced back then. Under your leadership, Mr. President, Indonesia has performed a remarkable transformation. It is now a thriving democracy and one of the world’s fastest growing economies which is playing a greater role on the international stage.

We share a common interest in a successful global economy underpinned by free trade. Despite difficult economic times our trade relationship is strong and last year you mounted a successful promotion of Indonesian products here in London. The United Kingdom is the second-largest European investor in Indonesia and we have a strong presence in areas such as financial services, energy and the creative industries.

As well as successes, we have also shared sorrow, notably in the dreadful events of the Bali bombings, the tenth anniversary of which we have marked this month.

So it is clear, Mr President, that we have common interests. But the partnership between Britain and Indonesia is also shaped by common values. Your visit is an opportunity for us to develop all aspects of our relationship, from trade and investment to areas such as climate change and education, as well as foreign policy and international security, where we share common values on the global stage, as we work together in the international community to build the momentum for peace. For example, you have shown regional leadership in spreading the values of Indonesia’s vibrant democracy through the Bali Democracy Forum. I congratulate you on this increasingly influential event.

I am pleased to note that during your visit you, my Prime Minister and the President of Liberia will be co-chairing a meeting of the High Level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, widely regarded as a vital piece of work in eradicating global poverty.

And so, Mr President, we welcome you here during a special year for this country, where we have seen the Diamond Jubilee celebrations followed, of course, by the Olympic and Paralympics Games.

A spirit of togetherness and co-operation has been the hallmark of this year, and in this spirit, I am confident that if we work together on our shared aspiration to build a prosperous world based on fundamental freedoms, the partnership between the United Kingdom and Indonesia will continue to flourish.

Ladies and Gentlemen I ask you to rise and drink a toast to the President and People of Indonesia.

Related content

Press release 04 March 2011

State Visit to Ireland announcement

Read more
Press release 17 February 2011

USA State Visit announced

Read more
Press release November 2010

State Visit to Oman Programme

Read more

A speech by The Queen at the Qatar State Banquet, 2010

As old and valued friends, you are particularly welcome.

26 October 2010
Press release October 2010

Qatar State Visit Programme

Read more
Press release September 2010

Papal Visit Programme, 16 September 2010

Read more
Press release 13 July 2010

Inbound State Visit by The Emir of the State of Qatar

Read more

A speech by The Queen at the United Nations General Assembly, 2010

In my lifetime, the United Nations has moved from being a high-minded aspiration to being a real force for common good.

06 July 2010
Press release 06 July 2010

Announcement of State Visits to Oman and the UAE

Read more

A speech by The Queen in Toronto, Canada, 2010

Aujourd’hui, bien des années plus tard, j’éprouve toujours autant d’affection et d’admiration pour le Canada.

05 July 2010

A speech by The Queen in Winnipeg, 2010

I hope that today will be a special and memorable time for each and every one of you.

03 July 2010

A speech by The Queen on Canada Day speech, 2010

I have watched with enormous admiration how Canada has grown and matured while remaining true to its history.

01 July 2010
Press release 16 March 2010

Announcement of Papal Visit to the UK

Read more

A speech by The Queen at the South Africa State Banquet, 2010

South Africa and the United Kingdom have long been the closest of friends.

03 March 2010
Press release March 2010

South African State Visit, 2 to 5 March 2010

Read more
Press release 01 February 2010

Announcement of a State Visit from South Africa

Read more

A speech by The Queen in Trinidad and Tobago, 2009

Prince Philip and I are delighted to be back in Trinidad and Tobago after more than twenty years, renewing our happy association with your country.

26 November 2009

A speech by The Queen in Bermuda, 2009

The United Kingdom will continue to follow and support Bermuda's progress to the very best of her ability

25 November 2009

A speech by The Queen at the Indian State Banquet, 2009

Relations between our two countries are built on strong and deep foundations, and are set fair for the 21st century.

27 October 2009
Press release 01 August 2009

Announcement of visit to Canada in 2010

Read more
Press release 26 June 2009

Inbound State Visit from India announced

Read more

A speech by The Queen at the Mexican State Visit Banquet, 2009

British engagement in independent Mexico has contributed other interests, not the least of which has been the introduction of the game of football, a subject about which I...

30 March 2009

A speech by The Queen at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting dinner, 2009

I am delighted to welcome you all here this evening.

27 January 2009

A speech by The Queen at the Slovakian State Banquet, 2008

Prince Philip and I are delighted to be visiting Slovakia for the first time, at a moment in our history when our two countries work side-by-side.

23 October 2008

A speech by The Queen at the Slovenian State Banquet, 2008

I hope that this visit will demonstrate the importance the United Kingdom attaches to our relationship with Slovenia, as a partner in Europe and an ally in NATO, with whom we...

21 October 2008
Press release 26 June 2008

State Visits to Slovenia and Slovakia

Read more

A speech by The Queen at the Turkish State Banquet, 2008

You are playing a key role in promoting peace, political stability and economic development in some of the world's most unsettled areas.

13 May 2008

A speech by The Queen at the France State Banquet, 2008

With a growing spirit of mutual understanding on so many levels, we stand ready to face the global challenges ahead, knowing that when we work together we can produce...

26 March 2008
Press release 05 March 2008

State Visit to Turkey

Read more

A speech by The Queen at CHOGM, Uganda, 2007

Recognising that each one of us is made up of layer upon layer of identity and that each of our unique personalities has ties to culture, religion, community, country and...

23 November 2007

A speech by The Queen at the CHOGM Dinner, Kampala, 2007

I am so very pleased to be with you again and wish you every success in your deliberations.

23 November 2007

A speech by The Queen at the Parliament Building in Kampala

It gives me great pleasure to address this House today in recognition of the importance of parliamentary democracy to the Commonwealth as a whole.

22 November 2007

A speech by The Queen at the Ugandan State Banquet,2007

We are so pleased to be back in Uganda.

22 November 2007

A speech by The Queen at the Saudi Arabia State Banquet, 2007

The relationship between our Two Kingdoms is one of mutual benefit, learning and understanding.

30 October 2007

A speech by The Queen at the White House Arrival Ceremony, 2007

I shall enjoy not only renewing old acquaintances and making new ones but also recognising the breadth and depth of the friendship we have shared for so long.

07 May 2007

A speech by The Queen at the State Capitol in Richmond, Virginia, 2007

This four hundredth anniversary marks a moment to recognise the deep friendship which exists between our two countries.

03 May 2007

A speech by The Queen at the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

The Canadian Corps transformed Vimy Ridge from a symbol of despair into a source of inspiration.

09 April 2007

A speech by The Queen at the Ghana State Banquet, 2007

Ghana today is a progressive, open society. The economy is buoyant, and growth and prosperity are being fostered by a pluralistic and lively political debate and by your...

13 March 2007
Press release 20 December 2006

Official visit to The Netherlands

Read more
Press release 15 November 2006

The Queen's visit to Uganda in 2007

Read more
Press release 15 November 2006

State Visit to the United States of America

Read more
Press release 08 April 2006

Baltic State Visits announced

Read more

State Banquet in Singapore, 17 March 2006

The links between Britain and Singapore are as strong as ever, and our future relationship is bright indeed.

17 March 2006

State Visit, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, 7 March 2006

I have vivid and happy memories of my visit to Brazil with Prince Philip in 1968, especially the warmth and hospitality of the Brazilian people.

07 March 2006