By Roy Lie Atjam
On 15 September 2022, H.E. Ambassador Mayerfas and his spouse Mme. Virna Mayerfas, cordially welcomed the Diplomatic Corps and hundreds of guests to “Wisma Duta” their residence in Wassenaar.
The reception was meant to celebrate the Independence Day of Indonesia. The actual independence date is August 17(1945)
The 2022 edition of the Independence Day celebration was indeed on 17 August, with the official annual flag hoisting ceremony at the Sekolah Indonesia (Indonesian School) Along with the flag hoisting was an enactment of the Independence Proklamasi and a phenomenal parade by students of the Sekolah Indonesia.
More than 800 guests, including Diplomatic Missions such as Argentina, Costa Rica, Romania, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Panama, China, Kazakhstan, Korea, Uruguay, Vietnam, further representatives of the business sector, academe, international courts-& institutions, NGO and other sectors took part in the celebration on 15 September.
Speaking at the reception Ambassador Mayerfas stated, “A very good evening, Selamat petang dan selamat datang untuk semuanya. Let me start by saying that I have two favorite things to do these last few days: first, checking the scores of Manchester City; and second, checking the weather forecast! So today, in this beautiful and cool weather in Wassenaar, my family and I would like to extend our warmest welcome to each and every one of you for joining us in celebrating the Seventy-seventh Anniversary of Indonesia’s independence.
Allow me to thank all representatives of the government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, that have been working with us side-by-side to maintain the close relations and to elevate the partnership for the benefit of our two countries. My sincere appreciation also goes to all my colleagues and friends from diplomatic corps for the friendly and constant support and collaboration.
Last but not least, to all friends of Indonesia, of any passport colors, who have been continuously and keenly making efforts to promote the mutual cooperation and strong ties between Indonesia and the Netherlands, and beyond, I would like to express my profound gratitude.
The friendship, the bonds, the link between the people of Indonesia and the Netherlands are special and unique. We have a long-shared history. Now, we have wide and great opportunities to work together for a shared, bright future.
Indonesia has made a long journey to become what Indonesia is today: a robust democracy and the sixteenth largest economy in the world. Yet we aim higher. With the Vision 2045, Indonesia sets the pace to become advanced economy by its centennial anniversary. We are now preparing our new capital to project our vision for sustainable development. This vision is an invitation as well as opportunities for investment and collaboration.
After two years of lockdowns and strict health protocols, we have gradually overcome the pandemic because we work together and helping each other. We especially thank the Netherlands for the support in the effort to prevail over the pandemic, with the millions of doses of vaccines and medicines, as well as health and medical equipment.
It is now time to “Recover Together, Recover Stronger” … which is the theme of Indonesia’s Presidency of the G20 this year.
Under the spirit of togetherness and inclusiveness, I wish to thank all members of G20, including the Netherlands as one of the guest countries, for the support and active engagement. The attendance of the Prime Minister and high official delegates from the Netherlands, I believe, will add weight and significant contribution to the success of the G20 Summit held in November 2022, as well as to the world’s peace and prosperity.
Next year, Indonesia will hold the Chairmanship of ASEAN. I am sure that we can count on your supports for the ASEAN Dialogue Partnership and Cooperation to grow more, together with the Netherlands, and members of the European Union.
As the pandemic subsides, some of you may have visited Indonesia during summer. Some are visiting Indonesia at this very moment. For the rest, I invite all of you to visit Indonesia, to experience what we can offer to you.
As for today, there is no better way of celebration than having good food and good show, surrounded by good friends. To our old friends, as well as our new friends, may I invite everyone for a toast to celebrate the Seventy-seventh Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. May we all be healthy and prosperous. Thank you.”
Everyone enjoyed the warm Indonesian hospitality and the wide range of Indonesian food and beverages.
