The bonds of friendship keep bringing us closer. On February 20, the boards of AmCham Indonesia and the Jakarta Japan Club (JJC) once again enjoyed the hospitality of our friends at the Korean Chamber of Commerce (KoCham). It was the fourth such inter-board gathering in two years – with KoCham hosting for the second time at one of Jakarta’s best Korean restaurants, Han Yang Garden. This time around, representatives of EuroCham joined the party for the first time.

KoCham Chairman CK Song was his usual gracious self as he organized the evening with the capable staff and members of KoCham. AmCham’s Board turned out in force for the event, as did the leadership of the JJC.

The dinners, hosted in sequence by the chambers, have opened up great lines of communication and cooperation, deepening our understanding that there is far more that unites us as business people in a tough market than potentially divides us as competitors.

“We know that we are stronger working together on common issues,” CK said in brief opening remarks. “That is the whole point of this evening, building trust, building friendship.”

Indeed these dinners over the last two years have done a lot to sustain momentum toward advocacy on issues related to the business climate in Indonesia. As a result, we have issued joint letters on a number of issues with KoCham, JJC and also EuroCham. We regularly consult with one another to gather information and share input on pending regulations. 

But for this night, we followed the guidance of Chairman Song: eat, raise a toast, relax and have a good time.