Page 24 - Inzist Special Edition

...AND I CALL THEM
MY BROTHERS

& SISTERS

Have you heard of the legend of Tupaia? Let me tell you a story..

Coined as the “man of many talents: high priest, artist, diplomat,
politician, orator and celestial navigator”, Tupaia, a Tahitian Polynesian,
had been one of the treasured personalities in the history of the Pacific
and the Māori. His far-fetched navigational skills and comprehensive
geographical know-how of the Pacific has landed him a crucial role in
the celebrated voyages of Lt. James Cook, R.N. With HMS Endeavour, he
became the first European who provided the detailed outline and
information about New Zealand. Thanks to Tupaia, his encounters with
the Māori were translated and recorded in history. The subsequent
journey heading back to England brought Tupaia to Batavia, where he
woefully suffered from shipborne illness, passed away and were buried
there.

Tupaia, with such a dear and significant role in the history of the Māori,
has become an instrumental link between Indonesia and New Zealand.
As the home of 80% Melanesian ethnic group, Indonesia has a close
historical and cultural tie to this great nation and its great people. And
the story of Tupaia is one of the many vivid examples of that notion. To
me, this valuable tie has to be continuously cherished and nurtured.

That is why, whenever I meet my dear fellow Māori, I call them my
brothers and sisters.

The ties with both countries have been growing even prior to the official
signing. With the official recognition now in place, the mutually
beneficial cooperation and partnerships will only grow stronger for the
benefit of the people.