Experience Indonesia Dublin: Bringing Indonesian Warmth to Ireland

Thepresidentpost.id - Dublin, Ireland - The Indonesian Embassy in London held a diplomatic reception themed ‘Experience Indonesia Dublin’ at the Radisson Blue Royal Hotel Dublin, on Thursday (19/10).

The Diplomatic reception was attended by Jack Chambers TD, Minister of State at the Department of Transport and at the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications Ireland.​

“What struck me during my visit to Jakarta earlier this year was how popular modern Irish music is in Indonesia. I understand that Westlife performs in Jakarta this year and Niall Horan will tour next year," expressed Jack Chambers TD, at the beginning of his speech as the Guest of Honour at the Diplomatic Reception.

Minister Chambers visited Indonesia on March 2023 and chose to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Jakarta. “Relations between Indonesia and Ireland are strong and growing, despite the geographical distance between the two countries. We have these strengthening ties, building opportunities, in particular in enterprise, business sector and education area…and a lot more to come", said Minister Chambers.

Last held in 2018, this diplomatic reception was attended by no fewer than 200 guests from the Irish government, the diplomatic corps, the business community, academia, the Indonesian diaspora, and the Indonesian Student Association in Ireland. Among the attendees were Ambassadors from several friendly countries, the President Director of Bank Mandiri – one of the largest banks in Indonesia, and Martin Murray, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia for Ireland.

In his opening remarks, Indonesian Ambassador Desra Percaya said that 'Experience Indonesia Dublin' was a celebration to commemorate Indonesia's 78th Independence Day. The event commenced with a 'Tumpeng Cutting' ceremony, a significant Indonesian cultural tradition where Tumpeng, an Indonesian cone-shaped rice dish as a symbol of thanksgiving and culinary heritage, was traditionally served.

Ambassador Desra also expressed his appreciation for Minister Chambers, who had recently visited Indonesia in March 2023 and even celebrated St. Patrick's Day in Jakarta.

Minister Chambers' visit to Indonesia was very productive and elevated prospective cooperation commitments in education, digital economy, sustainable tourism, and renewable energy.

According to data, the trade relationship between the two countries in 2023 reached $261.3 million. There is still plenty of untapped potential, especially in creative economy, sustainable tourism and energy forest. Indonesia is also currently pursuing a mega project of construction in the new capital city Nusantara. The Nusantara project worth $34 billion is offering tax incentives and development schemes to external investors.

Ambassador Desra stated “Experience Indonesia Dublin marks the start of our journey to embark on an important milestone…40 years of Indonesia-Ireland diplomatic relations in 2024. Earlier this year I met with President Higgins and PM Varadkar separately, and I underlined Indonesia's strong commitment to deliver mutually beneficial cooperation with Ireland."

"As one of the low-hanging fruits…I encourage Irish business missions to Indonesia sooner than later for broader collaboration," he added.

As a special performance at the event, the National Concert Hall Gamelan Orchestra performed gamelan music. Conducted by Peter Moran, this all-Irish gamelan group played "Ladrang Pangkur", using a gamelan set gifted by Sultan Hamengkubuwono X of Yogyakarta to the National Concert Hall Dublin.

In addition, guests were treated to a Balinese dance called "Sekar Jagat" and a spontaneous performance by Ambassador Desra with his saxophone, playing popular songs from the band Westlife, and an Indonesian song "Tanah Air."

'Experience Indonesia Dublin' also concluded 'Experience Indonesia', a series of events to promote Indonesia organized by the Embassy of Indonesia in London. In its second year, this year's 'Experience Indonesia' featured the Indonesia Investment Forum 2023, Indonesian Night in London, and Experience Indonesia Dublin.