IO – The Philippines Embassy in Indonesia, in cooperation with DU30 Demi for Sejahtera Progress, held a talk titled “The Roots of Indonesian Nationalism” as part of its Love of Country series on Friday, August 30, 2019. The keynote speaker of the event was Admiral Prof. Dr. Marsetio, a former Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy and current Special Envoy to International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.
The event, held in the Philippine Embassy Hall, was emceed by President of the Duterte Demi Sejahtera (DDS) or Duterte for Progress movement, Mr. Rudy Celeste. After the singing of the national anthems of the Philippines and Indonesia, Philippines Ambassador H.E. Lee Hiong Tan Wee gave his opening remarks.
“I’m pleased to be with you here today as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Philippines-Indonesia bilateral relationship this year in 2019. The Philippines and Indonesia have a lot of common, sharing themes in terms of culture, ethnicity, values, traditions and aspirations. Even our language is related, with such words as “lima” and “mahal” having the same meaning. We both have a deep love for our respective country and hold our nationalism close to our hearts. It is in this context that the Philippines Embassy in Jakarta DD30 Demi for Sejahtera Progress is holding this Love of Country lecture series: The Roots of Indonesian Nationalism. Tonight, I am honored to introduce you to our speaker, Admiral Prof. Dr. Marsetio,” said the Ambassador.
Before the keynote speech by Admiral Prof. Dr. Marsetio, Mr. Rudianto gave a short lecture on the current situation in Indonesia, specifically regarding Indonesia’s cultural background, challenges, demographics and nationalism.
Admiral Prof. Dr. Marsetio then gave his talk, touching on culture, nationalism, and history but focusing on President Joko Widodo’s plans ahead and the future of Indonesia and the ASEAN and Asia regions as a whole. The Admiral commented on the importance of dealing with China’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) or now the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Indonesia becoming an economic powerhouse.
“In 2030 Indonesia will be at the country number four in the world, with the highest economy number four after China, India, United States, then Indonesia,” said Prof. Dr. Marsetio. To achieve this, the government had a five-point plan which included reforming the bureaucracy, investment realization, developing human capital and using the state budget more efficiently.
Following Admiral Prof. Dr. Marsetio’s speech, Indonesian and Filipino songs were sung by two singers invited by the embassy. Then the forum was opened for questions and discussions where sense of nationality, working together as SEA nations as a whole for economic progress, and expanding the mindset from buying local to selling internationally was discussed.
The event then ended with a dinner provided by the Philippines Embassy. (Rimar)