Page 58 - Inzist Special Edition

IN TUNE WITH COMMUNITIES

YOU ARE OUR

FRIENDS

Being close to community is important. This close engagement produces more cordial relation than formality. They have to feel they
are part of the embassy for which they unreluctantly give their hands when needed. For me embassy and community should be
friends. Being friend is more beneficial than government-community kind of communication. To realize this, me and my staff do
intensive travels around the country meeting them, having discussions, involved in their communal activities and many times
partying together.

There are around 6500 Indonesians that live in the two islands. They are professionals, farmers, professors, artists, students and
some of them have been here for decades. Coming from many different culture and religious backgrounds, they represent Indonesia
in the true sense. 6500 is quite big number in respect to total population of New Zealand of 5 million.

I am a man of public, passionate in arts and love travelling. Meeting and interacting with people are my common interest. When I was
running twice for parliament, I had to travel thousands of kilometers and many times using very simple means of transportation. New
Zealand is a lot better in that respect. I don’t see any obstacles for me and my staff to reach them, wherever they live. Government
officials in today’s contact are not only waiting for their community to come but they make visit too.

Living in New Zealand where the scenery is so pretty, the air is so clean and the infrastructure is top class, I find this country is
heaven for outdoors lovers. This country is perfect for running, cycling, tramping or just walking. I am so lucky to have Dewi who loves
all those outdoor activities and community who always motivates me to do it. Healthy life, that’s what we have here.

Dewi and I are so proud of having done many activities with our community here. When traveling outside Wellington, we were not at
hotel all the times. Many times we stayed at their homes. We are friends, we are family