By Roy Lie Atjam
On Friday, 17 March 2023, H.E. Mr. Mayerfas, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, invited a selection of media persons to a casual gathering at his residence Wisma Duta, to reignite the cordial relationship with the media.
Even though the world is undergoing tremendous changes not seen for decades, and we are at the brink of The era of Metaverse Diplomacy, we still need to meet face-to-face.
After a friendly welcome, “Selamat petang dan selamat dating” Ambassador Mayerfas mentioned the purpose of the gathering which was to reconnect, renew our networks, after a hiatus due to the pandemic, to get to know each other better and have an interchange of ideas.
Ambassador Mayerfas went on to say, “I know that we have online news or social media that live 24/7, but I always believe that seeing in person, exchanging views directly is so much better and meaningful. Do you agree?
On this good occasion, first, I wish to thank you all, for your attentiveness, and more for what you have been doing, through mainstream as well as social media platform, including blogs and podcasts, to make news and to promote Indonesia in many ways.
I know you all must be familiar with a famous saying: ‘Bad news is good news. Good news is no news. No news is bad news’.
In this era of social media and public journalism, I think there is almost nothing can be kept behind the closed doors. For me, as the Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands, I would say one simple thing, “Nothing is perfect.”
In the last 77 years since its independence, Indonesia has been going through many ups and downs, just like any other countries in the world. Indonesia has experienced many crises: political, social, financial, and the pandemic, but we have proven that we are resilient and we can come back stronger.
When the pandemic was still lingering and amidst the geopolitical crises, Indonesia chaired the G20 and we delivered. When the global economy demonstrated a slowdown, ours remains strong and become the ‘bright spot’ in the region.
Our economy grew 5.3 percent. Investment increased 3.87 percent. And our inflation rate was under control at 5.5 percent.
Next, I would like to mention that year 2023 is an important stepping-stone for Indonesia. Aside that we are holding the chairmanship of ASEAN and MIKTA, Indonesia is also in the period of preparing our General Election in 2024, a crucial step towards deciding the next leadership.
We are also in the period of preparing our New Capital, that will be the center of Government, but also the center of green innovation.
Looking ahead, Indonesia is optimistic that our economy will continue to grow despite the global challenges, and whatever the result of the election next year.
It is not without reason. Indonesia has abundant natural resources. 70 percent of the population is within the productive age. It is a demographic bonus. This is reinforced by national dan regional stability.
Now, back to you. Media has always been an important corner stone of democracy. Indonesian Embassy has put efforts to promote engagement with the wide public in the Netherlands and beyond. But of course, we have limitations. There is where we need you, as a professional, or freelancer, or individual.
So, the second and last thing I wish to mention is that the purpose of this gathering is: Because anyhow, Indonesia and the Netherlands are no stranger. We have a long-shared history, but sometimes we have different perspectives. So, let us sit down and talk, and create a strong bridge for the people of our two countries.“
A dinner concluded the evening, on the menu featuring, Sup Tekwan, Manis Rendang, Martabak manis and much more.
By all means, a successful media gathering.
