Fiji’s newly appointed Ambassador to Indonesia, Ratu Isoa Delamisi Tikoca, has officially assumed his diplomatic duties after presenting his Letters of Credence to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on 9 June.

The ceremony formally marked the start of Ambassador Tikoca’s tenure and underscored Fiji’s commitment to further strengthening ties with Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy.

During the presentation, Ambassador Tikoca conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the Fijian Government and the people of Fiji to President Prabowo and the people of Indonesia.

He also reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to deepening cooperation and friendship between the two nations.

Fiji and Indonesia established diplomatic relations in 1974 and have since developed a broad partnership spanning education, agriculture, trade, fisheries, defence, law enforcement, climate action, technical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

Recognising Indonesia’s growing importance within the Asia-Pacific region, Fiji opened its resident embassy in Jakarta in 2011, strengthening engagement with Indonesia and the wider Southeast Asian region.

Ambassador Tikoca brings extensive leadership and public service experience to the role.

A civil engineer by profession, he has served in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the civil service, Parliament, and as Fiji’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea.

He is also a traditional leader and entrepreneur.

Speaking on his appointment, Ambassador Tikoca described Indonesia as a valued friend and partner of Fiji and expressed his commitment to advancing bilateral relations while exploring new opportunities that will deliver mutual benefits for both countries.