Page 53 - Inzist Special Edition

TO SERVE

& TO PROTECT

I have always considered myself as a people person. The trait In retrospect, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Al Noor Mosque
is mainly rooted from my extensive professional undertaking tragedy in Christchurch in 2019 have been a constant source
in hospitality followed by years serving as a Member of for reflection and provide a holistic new meaning to citizen
Parliament in Indonesia. Despite having notable differences at protections. In spite of the two crises’ damaging subsequent
a glance, in practical sense, the two previous fields of work effects, they have given us various lessons-learned in which
have had profound influence in shaping the perspectives in the the Embassy will attribute its future approach as it continues
matter pertaining to Indonesian citizen services and to be even more responsive and solutions-oriented.
protection during my ambassadorship.
The term ‘to serve and to protect’ goes beyond merely lip-
To serve and to protect Indonesian citizens in accredited service. It is one of the most fundamental personifications of a
countries of the Indonesian Embassy in Wellington is a noble foreign mission in an accredited country. As demonstrated on
duty which merited my wholehearted efforts over the years. I numerous occasions over the years through the Embassy’s
found an enormous sense of encouragement and content approach, the people are at the heart of our task and remain it
having the knowledge that citizen protection has consistently will be
been a top priority in Indonesia’s Foreign Policy for the good
part of the last five years or so.

In a country where respect for one another regardless of one’s
background and strong bond in the communities are part of the
nation’s fabric, I am glad to know that our diasporas and
citizens are very much at ease. At the same time, their
contributions to society and to some extent to the country’s
economy has rarely gone unnoticed. With that in mind, I have
been enormously proud to have Indonesian citizens here
contributing in their own unique capacities.

Indonesian seafarers in Napier Indonesian fruit pickers in Hawke's Bay