Page 28 - Inzist Special Edition

FRIENDS OF

INDONESIA

New Zealand is 15-20 hours flight from Jakarta -it seems so far away but for our Kiwi friends at New
Zealand Indonesia Association (NZIA) it is close at heart. Treasured memories from their time in
Indonesia, whether it is for working or pleasure, stay longer than their visit.

NZIA was established in 1964 in Wellington by a bunch of New Zealanders and Indonesians who share the
same passion to build a long lasting friendship based on mutual respect and understanding. Until now,
NZIA has been a strong supporter of Indonesia art and culture in New zealand and held countless
performances to keep the love of Indonesia alive.

I was honoured to accept NZIA’s request to become their Patron in 2018. For me, it is my way of thanking
them for being the oldest friendship organisation in New Zealand and their contribution to the flourishing
exposure of Indonesian culture. I widely open the door of the Embassy to be their centre of activities and
actively involve them in various Embassy’s activities. In turn, NZIA invites prominent figures from the
government, parliament and business to come and speak at their seminars at the Embassy.

Organizations like NZIA play an instrumental role to build a better people-to-people relations and any
Indonesian Embassies should embrace them and create a symbiosis that leads to the increasing
awareness of our country in a more positive perceptions. Nothing beats cultural diplomacy as a soft
power and we are proud to support NZIA’s mission to present Indonesia’s experience in New Zealand. A
special mention to Bill Russell and Hannah Brackley, two presidents of NZIA during my tenure as a Patron.
I am impressed by how the love of Indonesia drive them and other executive committtee to run NZIA as
the beacon of friendship between the people of the two great nations.

It is with a sad feeling that I have to step down from the Patronship of NZIA but rest assured that our time
in organizing seminars, dances and other events together will always stay in the happy part of my heart.