Syeda Amtul

Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — The Consulate General of Indonesia organized a grand diplomatic reception at the Intercontinental hotel here to mark the 69th anniversary of Indonesia's Independence Day on Tuesday.



Ambassador Mohammed Ahmed Tayyeb, the director general of Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Makkah Province, was the chief guest of the evening. Tayyeb said: “I would like to congratulate the Indonesian Consulate for three reasons. Firstly, the way he addressed the diplomats and audience in Arabic language was something very surprising for me. He spoke in an Arab accent even though he is not an Arab nor Indonesia is an Arab country.



Secondly, I would like to congratulate him for the new elected President of Indonesia. Thirdly, I would like to congratulate him and welcome him for being the new Consul General of Indonesia in Jeddah.”



He added: “Saudi Arabia has very old ties with Indonesia. Many business men from here use to go to Indonesia for business as well as for spreading Islam in past. Indonesia was dispersed in many islands before which have been developed in last few decades and has formed as a country, Indonesia.”

 

The ambassador also stated that Indonesia is the biggest Islamic country in the world. It has 88 percent - 92 percent of its population as Muslims. Hence, it is the largest country in the world with respect to religion. It has the highest population of Muslims in the world. Despite it, he has never witnessed any racism or attitude in Indonesian people.



Consul General of Indonesia Dahrmakirty SP warmly greeted all on the occasion. He said: “Today, Indonesia also stands proud as the world’s third largest democracy...Southeast Asia’s largest economy...an emerging economy with political stability, with independent and active foreign policy, and as founding member of ASEAN.”



He added: “This positive trend also reflects in the bilateral relations between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia in various field among others, which is indicated by the significant increase in trade volume, tourism with growing numbers of Saudi tourist visiting Indonesia.”



The consul general expressed gratitude and appreciation to the government of Saudi Arabia and King Abdullah for providing invaluable and continuous support to the Indonesian Consulate General in providing consular and other services needed by Indonesian citizens living in the Kingdom.



“I call upon all of Indonesian nationalities to continue strengthening our relation with our second home country, Saudi Arabia, politically, economically, socially and culturally to realize harmony and prosperity of both countries, today, and for the days ahead,” said Dahrmakirty SP.



He also congratulate and commended the government of Saudi Arabia for successfully conducting this year's Haj.



“My sincere thanks and appreciation also lauded for the effort of the King and Government of Saudi Arabia in providing pilgrims around the world, including 169,000 Indonesian pilgrims this year with the best care and facilities, so that they can perform their rituals easily and safely,” he said.



Government officials, diplomats from various countries along with their families and prominent members of the Indonesian community were in attendance.



The event started started with “Tari Saman (Saman Dance),” an Indonesian traditional dance performed by young school girls to welcome guests; it was followed by playing of the national anthems of Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. A documentary featuring Indonesia's economic and tourism development was also screened. The consul general along with Ambassador Tayyeb and other diplomats cut the ceremonial cake.