So yesterday I was fortunate enough to meet the Indonesian Ambassador to the UK and Ireland at the University of York where he gave a speech regarding Indonesia in the 21st century. Finding out about this late, I scooted down hopeful there would still be places and got one of the last ones. For this I am highly grateful to the University of York and especially to PPI York (the Indonesian students association) who not only hosted a well-managed event, but importantly managed to generate a welcoming atmosphere full of warmth and excitement.
Of course, the star of the evening was Dr Percaya who spoke clearly and directly about Indonesia and its role in the world, mixing in humour with genuiness about the severity of the world today on topics from Asia to Ukraine and the lack of statesmenship in the present world. I asked a question on the mantra and role of bebas dan aktif (independent, but active) for the Indonesian students in the world today. Dr Percaya explained how having one mouth, but two ears is key. Speaking after knowing the facts and hearing different sides is vital to progress.
After the speech and Q&A, we were serenaded by Indonesia music and the Ambassador on the clarinet playing ‘What a Wonderful World’. I managed to chat to Dr Percaya and we swapped contact details. In top of meeting Abdul and Mohammad from York PPI and Daniel and Chris, two smart Indonesian students from Newcastle University, it was a wonderful evening and actually felt like my research and aims are heading in the right direction. Terima Kasih.
PS. and yes I should have had a shave before!