PRRD confers Order of Sikatuna on outgoing Indonesian Ambassador

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte confers the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu on outgoing Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Johny Lumintang who paid a farewell call on the President at the Malacañan Palace on November 23, 2017. (Photo by Rey Baniquet/Presidential Photo)

MANILA— Outgoing Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Johny Lumintang paid a farewell call on President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañan on Thursday with the Chief Executive thanking him for a fruitful tour of duty in the Philippines.

At the same time, President Duterte expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Lumintang for his efforts that benefitted the Philippines and Indonesia and further strengthened bilateral ties.

Duterte said the two countries must work together to address common challenges.

Lumintang, who has served in the Philippines as Indonesia’s Ambassador to the Philippines for less than four years, was also conferred the Order of Sikatuna with rank of Datu (Grand Cross, silver distinction) by the President.

The Order of Sikatuna was conferred on Lumintang “for his active participation in the negotiation and conclusion of various agreements and joint declarations that further deepened the mutual trust and confidence between the Philippines and Indonesia.”

“For his dedication in keeping Indonesia’s commitment to the monitoring in the implementation of the Government of Philippines-Moro Islamic Liberation Front agreement on the cessation of hostilities and conduct of field verifications that have maintained peace and stability in the southern Philippines,” the citation read.

“And for his outstanding leadership during his tour of duty, which significantly contributed to the strengthening and deepening of the Philippines-Indonesia bilateral relations and people-to-people ties,” it added.

The Order of Sikatuna is an order of diplomatic merit conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines; upon diplomats, officials, and nationals of foreign states who have rendered conspicuous service in fostering, developing, and strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines.

It is also conferred upon personnel of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), both in the home office and in the foreign service.

Together with the Philippine Legion of Honor and the Order of Lakandula, the Order of Sikatuna is one of the three senior honors of the Republic.