Duterte to receive credentials of new Indonesian envoy

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Duterte is set to receive in ceremonies today at Malacañang the credentials of his long-time friend Sinyo Harry Sarundajang, the new Indonesian ambassador.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo designated Sarundajang as ambassador to the Philippines, Palau and the Marshall Islands last February.

Duterte and Sarundajang, both 73 years old, have been friends since the early 1990s when Sarundajang was still mayor of the port city of Bitung in North Sulawesi, Indonesia and Duterte of Davao.

The President even visited Sarundajang’s house in Bitung during a trip to East Indonesia and Sarundajang, who later became governor of North Sulawesi, also visited Davao City and other areas in Mindanao several times in the past. 

Both Duterte and Sarundajang were among the supporters of the Brunei Indonesia Malaysia and the Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) geo-economic grouping during its early days in the 1990s.

The President invited Sarundajang as one of his guests during his inauguration on June 30, 2016. The two will have a private meeting after the arrival honors this afternoon.