Remarks by
Dr. N. Hassan Wirajuda
Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia
at the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship

Jakarta, 4 August 2008

Excellencies,
Distingished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It always gives me great pleasure to welcome participants of the Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship. Every year, since 2003, in this historic Pancasila Mansion, I welcome them as my guests at the beginning of their stay in Indonesia. And at the end of the three-month programme, they return home with sweet memories and better understanding about Indonesia. Thus far, we have had 177 alumni from 28 countries.

This year, I am happy to award the Scholarship to 51 young men and women from 30 countries. These include countries of the Southwest Pacific Dialogue, the Pacific Islands Forum, ASEAN, China, Japan, South Korea, India, South Africa and four new entrants: Azerbaijan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. From the PIF countries, this year we welcome for the first time participants from Nauru and Samoa.

Allow me to invite all the participants to rise, so that we can recognize you….. Thank you, and welcome to Indonesia….. Please take your seats.

One thing always strikes me when I meet the participants of this scholarship: diversity. These are young men and women of different nations, citizenships, religions, and cultures. And yet they have so many things in common, most vividly: their vibrant and youthful lives, their dedication to their own futures and dreams, and their outstanding talents. In their interaction, they would automatically and naturally place their commonalities before their differences.

It is therefore suitable that we welcome the participants in this Hall—where 63 years ago, from May until August 1945, Indonesia’s founding fathers deliberated the foundations of the Republic: the Five Principles of the State Philosophy—Pancasila—and the Constitution of the Republic—the 1945 Constitution. In this very Hall, 63 years ago, Indonesia was created in full respect to its diversity. Hence, our national motto: Unity in Diversity.

To the Participants of the 2008 Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship,

Yesterday, you visited the Indonesian Miniature Park. You observed the miniature version of Indonesia where around 230 million people—with more than 500 enthic groups, local languages and dialects, more than 17,500 islands, and different religions of the world—live and grow as one Nation. To ensure our unity in diversity, we must embrace tolerance, mutual understanding, and mutual respect. We therefore value highly the culture of dialogue and consultations.

This month, on the 17th of August, Indonesians will celebrate our nation’s 63rd Independence Day. You will witness our people’s festivities and pride from big cities to small town and villages. You are most welcome to join our celebration.

Later in September, a whole different ambiance will be felt across Indonesia—as Muslims will carry their fasting during the day. During the month of “Ramadhan”, you will experience the true sense of tolerance, respect, and solidarity among peoples of different faiths.

I do hope that each and every one of you would open your mind—and absorb the new experiences that you will encounter. As you will be divided into four groups, and each group will stay in different cultural centers : respectively in Bandung, Solo, Yogyakarta, and Denpasar, you may have different experiences and observe different cultures. And yet, at the end, all of you will gain the same Indonesian experience: Unity in Diversity.

Most importantly, you will meet new friends and immerse yourself in their day to day lives. You will learn new skills in artistic expressions and you will learn new experiences in social interaction. At the same time, you will also bring new experiences to the lives of your new Indonesian friends.

It is my sincere hope that each and every one of you will feel at home in Indonesia—enjoy your stay and make as many friends as possible.

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Last year, Vincent Lagea, a participant from Papua New Guinea, composed a song entitled “Indonesiaku” during his stay here. He sings “Indonesia, hatiku, rumahku, bangsaku…” It means “Indonesia, my heart, my home, my people…”

I think the song represents the fact that Vincent feels very closely to his Indonesian friends—and considers Indonesia as his home away from home.

I do hope that each and every participant in this programme would feel the same way as Vincent do. Because at the end of the day, friendship among peoples of different countries would be the backbone to a world of peace, justice and prosperity. A better world that we all want to live in.

This is one of the virtues of Indonesian diplomacy: that it is not only aimed at promoting good relationship and cooperation among governments, but also strengthening people-to-people contacts between countries.

 With that hope and expectation, I have the pleasure to officially open the 2008 Indonesian Arts and Culture Programme to 51 recipients from 30 countries.

 I thank you very much.