Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian Ambassador to Norway Todung Mulya Lubis inaugurated the Indonesia-Norway Society (INS) at Wisma Duta Indonesia in Oslo on Wednesday (Sep. 15).

INS is a non-profit organization that aims to strengthen Indonesian and Norwegian people and professional relations in various sectors, particularly in the fields of culture, education, development, and renewable energy.

The Indonesian ambassador welcomed the establishment of the INS which is considered as one of the important milestones in the Indonesia-Norway bilateral relations.

"The organization is considered timely and has become a demand given the high potential for cooperation between the people and professionals of the two countries," he said.

Through the INS, professionals from both countries are expected to be directly connected to explore opportunities for cooperation.

The INS will be chaired by a board member (including the chair) who is elected annually at the INS annual meeting.

The first chairman of the INS is Bjorn Blokhus, who was a former Norwegian ambassador to Indonesia for the 2003-2008 period.

The INS’ chairperson will soon form the first board of members to prepare the administration, including create a logo, build a website, and set a database of members.

The INS will start opening membership as soon as the administration and all conditions are set.

Blokhus said that the INS idea came when Indonesia and Norway were commemorating the 70 years of diplomatic relations.

The INS was planned to be inaugurated in 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The INS will become a partner of the Indonesian embassy in Oslo in advancing relations between the peoples of the two countries.

Several programs that will be initiated by INS are organizing networking activities; promoting students, cultural and sporting exchanges; planning scholarship assistance; as well as providing assistance and facilitating Indonesian and Norwegian companies to explore business and trade potentials.

The inauguration of INS was participated in by 25 professionals and community leaders from Indonesia and Norway who have an interest in enhancing cooperative relations between the peoples of the two countries.

Registration for the INS membership can be submitted by email to oslo.kbri@kemlu.go.id.

Reporting by Indonesia Window