Indonesia Backs ASEAN-China Video Contest to Strengthen Ties

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has reaffirmed the importance of people-to-people exchanges in ASEAN-China relations, as two Indonesian works won awards at the 5th ASEAN-China Friendship and Cooperation Short Video Contest.

Speaking at the winners' announcement ceremony in Nanning, Guangxi, China, on Thursday, June 25, 2026, Indonesian Deputy Ambassador to China Irene said the competition helps strengthen mutual understanding and friendship among communities across ASEAN and China.

"I am very pleased to see Indonesian creators actively participating in this year's competition. Every submission represents a meaningful contribution to strengthening mutual understanding and friendship among our peoples," Irene said, as quoted by Antara.

The contest, themed "Hand in Hand, Heart to Heart, Together for Modernization," received 8,774 submissions from ASEAN countries and China after launching in December 2025. Thirty-nine winners were selected, including two entries from Indonesia.

Indonesia considers people-to-people exchanges a key pillar of ASEAN-China cooperation, Irene said, noting that stronger connections among communities, artists, media professionals, entrepreneurs, and cultural actors would enrich bilateral ties and create opportunities for future generations.

This year's event also marked the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-China relations and the fifth anniversary of the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

"Over the past 35 years, ASEAN-China friendship has grown into a practical and impactful partnership reflected in trade, investment, connectivity, cooperation, and increasingly close people-to-people ties," Irene added.

Guangxi Communist Party Publicity Department Director General Chen Yijun said the region is ready to expand cooperation in culture, tourism, media, think tanks, and youth exchanges with Southeast Asian countries.

Meanwhile, the organizer, China International Communication Group (CICG), stated that the contest has become an important platform for showcasing ASEAN-China cooperation since its launch in 2020.

Indonesia's award-winning entries were "City of Happiness" by Rian Fahardhi Risyad, which received the Excellence Award, and "Boundless Love" by Nanyang Breeds Media, which won the Special Awards Micro Drama category. ***