Vietnam: Optimism for the Future

By Mohammad Anthoni

Vietnam has learned a lot at least since the events of 1975. The fall of Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City, in 1975, paved the way for the long-awaited reunification of Vietnam.

 

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Vietnam has learned a lot at least since the events of 1975. The fall of Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City, in 1975, paved the way for the long-awaited reunification of Vietnam.

The Vietnam War occurred between 1955-1975. Just like most wars, the end of the Vietnam War cost millions of lives when combined from both sides.

The war occurred after South Vietnam declared itself as the Republic of Vietnam.

The story of Indonesia’s neighboring country, officially called the Socialist Republic of Vietnam after the war, can be told from various perspectives.

For example, how the people of the south responded to life under one new system: Some adapted, some resisted, some looked for ways to leave their country, including by using ships or choosing a new life in other countries.

In response to political developments and humanitarian tragedies in Vietnam, in 1979, the Indonesian government opened a camp for Vietnamese refugees on Galang Island, Riau Islands, near Singapore.

As a non-signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, Indonesia opened the camp to provide refugee processing facilities to be resettled in other countries or returned to their home countries.

The refugees lived separately from the locals. During the evacuation they were under strict supervision and guard. The Galang Island camp, which was also inhabited by Cambodian refugees in addition to Vietnamese refugees, was praised for being well managed.

However, the reality was more complex. Although their country’s governments agreed not to act discriminatory, persecute or unjustly act, it was reported that some set themselves on fire when told they would be repatriated to their home country, not to a third country that was willing to grant them the status of political asylum seekers.

They were being treated by third countries because they were only economic refugees.

The last refugees left the camp in 1996 and it was converted into part of an industrial area such as Batam Island.

Several times the author witnessed refugees consisting of children, teenagers and adults being repatriated on a Vietnam Air plane from Hang Nadim Airport.

In one repatriation with KRI (Indonesian warship) from Galang Island, on September 2, 1996 the writer witnessed a middle-aged refugee with a relatively burly body suddenly jumping from the ship into the South China Sea (SCS) one afternoon.

It could be guessed that the man who acted recklessly refused to be sent home. A Marine personnel quickly jumped into the sea and managed to save the man.

Security colleagues on board threw buoys and carried the refugees aboard. The officer took him to a special room on the ship. The incident did not disturb the atmosphere on the ship, which continued to sail across the SCS which is now partially or wholly claimed as the territorial territory of the People’s Republic of China, arriving at the port of Vung Tau. a number of officials from Vietnam and Indonesian diplomats had been waiting for the arrival of the KRI.

Vung Tau is a symbol of Vietnam’s progress

Dramatic changes have taken place in Vietnam since economic reforms were enacted in 1986. The country’s economic development through the ‘Doi Moi Innovation’ received praise from the world and showed that the country entered a period of integration, a turning point of growth after 1986.

The Vietnamese government has been actively researching, taking initiative and receptive to create momentum for rapid and sustainable development.

Vietnam’s ‘reform’ process has attracted widespread attention among researchers, investors and international businessmen. Many forums and seminars have been held with the participation of experts and academics from around the world to provide recommendations and solutions to help this developing country.

For example, on April 7-8, 2016, the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) Singapore held a seminar themed ‘Vietnam: Thirty Years of Doi Moi and Beyond’.

The international community had witnessed and recorded 30 years of Vietnam’s economic reform journey called Doi Moi since its inception in 1986 from a backward country with 90 percent of the population working in the agricultural sector to one of the most dynamic economic powers in Asia.

Praise for Vietnam’s achievements has come from experts, diplomats who have served in the country including institutions such as the World Bank, IMF, ADB and HSBC and foster confidence in the country’s bright economic prospects in the future.

Vietnam has also escaped political and economic isolation to develop foreign relations, expand international integration, deepen bilateral relations. regional and multilateral.

Its bilateral relations with Indonesia, for example, as a friendly country and neighbor, have reached achievements and shown improvements to overcome difficulties, including how to deal with today’s global dynamics.

The achievements of Indonesia and Vietnam are examples of how the two countries adapt to environmental changes and immediately correct themselves.

The visit of the Secretary General of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, accompanied by his wife Ngo Phuoang Ly and a high-level delegation consisting of ministers and senior officials to Indonesia (March 9-11, 2025) and meeting with President Prabowo Subianto has shown how strong the relationship and commitment between the two countries are.

Vietnam’s economic structure is pointing towards modernization, with the percentage of agriculture’s contribution to the overall economy decreasing and the service sector and industrial production increasing.

Industry and construction have become sectors that have made a major contribution to economic growth thanks to the application of scientific and technological advances, and the development of new industries and high technology.

The agricultural sector underwent significant changes, transforming Vietnam from a country with a high consumption rate to one of the largest exporters of rice, coffee, rubber, nuts and fishery products.

Hanoi is also revamping its tourist destinations in the northern, central and southern parts of the country to attract foreign tourists.

When found Vietnam Pictorial magazine No.769, January 2023, among other stacks of magazines, the author opened it page by page, and found a picture writing with the title ‘Discovering Vung Tau – A Coastal City’.

This is the first city, precisely a Vietnamese port that the author briefly visited in 1996 when witnessing the handover of Vietnamese refugees to the country’s authorities.

Located about 110 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, which has a 20 km long coastline, attracts visitors for its historical and cultural values.

During the big holidays and Tet (New Year), a large number of tourists visit the tourist destination area to sunbathe, watch the sunrise, walk along the beach enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and also taste various types of delicious food and seafood.

Doi Moi and other reform measures for Vietnam have been a blessing.

Laporan: Redaksi