IVFA and Ciputra Group Host Farewell Luncheon for Vietnamese Ambassador

Jakarta, 13 October 2026 — Mr. Budiarsa Sastrawinata, accompanied by Mr. Agussurja Widjaja, Mr. Nararya Ciputra Sastrawinata and Mr. Ivan A. Sandjaja, hosted a farewell luncheon on behalf of Ciputra Group and the Indonesia–Vietnam Friendship Association (IVFA) in honour of H.E. Ta Van Thong, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the Republic of Indonesia, following the completion of his extended five-year tenure in Indonesia.

Held at Ruth’s Chris Steak House at Somerset Apartments and Residences in Jakarta, the luncheon took place in a warm and amicable atmosphere, providing an opportunity for a relaxed and personal exchange of experiences, reflections, and fond memories of Ambassador Thong’s time in Indonesia.

During the gathering, Ambassador Thong shared his experiences throughout his diplomatic assignment and expressed his deep affection for Indonesia, a country in which he has greatly enjoyed living and serving. He also revealed that he would have welcomed the opportunity to extend his tenure for another year. However, having received his call to return to Vietnam, he will soon conclude this important chapter of his diplomatic career in Indonesia.

At the conclusion of the luncheon, Mr. Budiarsa presented Ambassador Thong with a token of remembrance: a miniature reproduction of a work by Hendra Gunawan, one of Indonesia’s most renowned artists. The original work forms part of the Ciputra family’s extensive art collection, which includes a significant number of Hendra Gunawan’s paintings. The gift served as a meaningful expression of appreciation for Ambassador Thong’s friendship and service, as well as a lasting reminder of his time in Indonesia.

The luncheon was a heartfelt occasion to express appreciation for Ambassador Thong’s service and to recognise the friendship and goodwill fostered during his years in Indonesia. It also reaffirmed the importance of nurturing the longstanding ties between Indonesia and Vietnam through continued dialogue, mutual understanding, and people-to-people engagement.

As Ambassador Thong prepares to return home, IVFA and Ciputra Group extend their sincere gratitude for his friendship and wish him every success in his future assignments, with the hope that the warm bonds he has established in Indonesia will continue to flourish in the years ahead.