By THÉRÈSE MARGOLIS

Indonesian Ambassador to Mexico Cheppy T. Wartono hosted a diplomatic reception at his Lomas de Chapultepec residence on Tuesday, Aug. 27, to mark the 74th anniversary of his nation’s independence.

During his welcome speech, Wartono spoke about his government’s efforts to modernize its infrastructure development and attract investors through simplified services and an improved business environment.

He also talked about Indonesia’s commitment to promoting a world order based on the values of freedom, social justice and peaceful coexistence.

As a nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2019-2020 period, Wartono said that his country’s “commitment and contribution … make it a true partner for world peace.”

Wartono also spoke about Indonesia’s bilateral and multilateral relationship with Mexico, and the “enormous potential for vibrant and growing cooperation.”

The ambassador pointed out that combined trade has continued to increase over the last five years, to more than $1.7 billion in 2018.

In accordance with a bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2013, the two countries have established a five-year plan of action to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of politics, security, defense, economic development, culture, science and technology, and education.

The Southeast Asian archipelago and Mexico are also cooperating in the energy sector.

Although a sophisticated kingdom existed in Indonesia from early times, it was originally colonized by the Dutch and later the British.

But after more than 350 years of repressive colonial rule, Indonesia proclaimed its independence on Aug. 17, 1945, just days after the Japanese surrender to the Allied Forces.

Today, Indonesia, with more than 17,000 islands, is the world’s largest archipelagic state and the most populous Islamic nation, as well as the third-largest democracy in terms of demographics.

Ethnically, it is highly diverse, with more than 300 indigenous languages.