Antara News·Indonesia·Monday, September 14, 2026 at 09:02 AM

Puan, Bulgarian deputy PM discuss education, sports cooperation

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Bagus Ahmad R, Resinta Sulistiyandari

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Puan Maharani and Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Poulev discussed bilateral cooperation, particularly in education and sports, in Jakarta on Monday.

Puan said the Indonesia-Bulgaria partnership is rooted not only in practical interests but also in shared values, including democracy, multilateralism, respect for international law, and a commitment to a rules-based international order.

“Amid geopolitical dynamics and global uncertainty, these values serve as a guide for us to respect one another and prioritize cooperation,” she said.

She noted that strong bilateral relations must ultimately be anchored in close ties between the peoples of both countries. Therefore, Puan emphasized the importance of strengthening social and cultural cooperation between Indonesia and Bulgaria.

“As representatives of the people, the House encourages greater interaction between the peoples of Indonesia and Bulgaria, including through education, cultural exchanges, tourism, and employment,” she added.

She also expressed support for greater cooperation in youth capacity-building, education, sports, student exchanges, joint research, and scholarship programs.

“I appreciate the efforts to introduce and teach the Indonesian language at the University of Sofia. I also welcome the establishment of the Indonesian Permanent Heritage Collection at the National Gallery of Bulgaria in 2019,” Puan continued.

Puan said the DPR is encouraging Indonesia and Bulgaria to work together to promote a more progressive, just, and humane global political, economic, and social order.

“A global order should put humanity and shared prosperity at the core of relations between nations and states, while ensuring that every country can develop with dignity and have its sovereignty respected,” she said.

Poulev’s visit to Indonesia comes as the two countries prepare to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations on September 20, reflecting their longstanding ties.

Bulgaria was among the first European countries to establish diplomatic relations with Indonesia.

Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, also visited Bulgaria in 1961 as part of efforts to strengthen friendship between the two countries.

“Our meeting today reflects the shared commitment of Indonesia and Bulgaria to continue fostering friendship and cooperation for mutual benefit,” Puan said.

Earlier, Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investment and Industry Alexander Poulev met with Indonesia’s Ambassador to Bulgaria, Listiana Operananta, in Sofia on August 20, 2026.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed opportunities to strengthen economic ties through technology transfer, investment, and joint production, including in high-tech, satellite technology, logistics, and industrial sectors.

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