By Rafiq Vayani/Kamran Hashim
KARACHI: Indonesian Consul General in Karachi Dr. June Kuncoro Hadiningrat and his wife Mrs. Ani June Kuncoro hosted a reception for distinguished members of the press, on 28th August 2021 at their residence here in Karachi. This reception was attended by selected members of press, which included members from electronic-media, print-media and social media. Due to strict stand operating procedures (SOP) and health protocol guidelines by the authorities for prevention of COVID-19.
Dr. June Kuncoro Hadiningrat who arrived in Karachi hardly three months ago, admitted that he hadn’t met much of press-fraternity and he still considers himself a newbie here in Karachi. He apologized for not inviting all the press in Karachi and personally thanked those who had joined in.
Sensing the spirit of Independence, the Indonesian Consul General wished all Pakistani’s and Indonesians, greetings of their Independence Day respectively, which is celebrated throughout Pakistan on 14th August and in Indonesia on 17th August.
Sharing his views about Press, the Indonesian Consul General said; “in Indonesia, we believe in the role of press as the fourth pillar of a democratic nation. We do believe the same can be said here in Pakistan. In this information age, the press plays a very important role, especially in delivering actual, accurate, and timely news to the public, while also racing against time to combat misinformation”.
He further shared his view press and said; “during my stay here, I have enjoyed a great share of Pakistani hospitality and culture, most of which that I learn from the press. I owe my thanks to all of you, through your respective media, for providing me with the latest news and information on Pakistan’s current affairs. These news have provided me with ample information in identifying key persons as well as important events that greatly support our mission here to promote cooperation between Indonesia and Pakistan”.
Sharing his views on some of the things that they are currently doing, he said; “as you know, Indonesia and Pakistan have enjoyed friendship even since the early days of our independence. In 1947, some 600 then British-Indian army soldiers from this land were sent to fight Indonesia in campaign of the colonial powers to retake Indonesia. However, upon arriving, these soldiers decided to instead join hands with Indonesia, refusing to fight fellow Muslim brothers. Some of the survivors of these soldiers returned to Pakistan, during a repatriation program in 1953, and served together with our then Embassy, now Consulate in Karachi, even one of their children are still working here with us.” Reciprocally, Indonesia have also greatly assisted Pakistan with military support during India-Pakistan war in 1965.
Adding further on bilateral brotherly relations between the two countries he said; “our former president Sukarno even had the opportunity to visit Pakistan four times, in 1950, 1958, 1963 and 1964”.
He added by saying that; “some of you may be familiar with a monument located in Larkana, called the Sukarno Tower. It was built in 1972 as a token of appreciation by Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto of President Sukarno’s leadership during the Asia-Africa Conference in 1955, to combat all forms of colonialism in the world”.
He further shared his views by saying that; “I have spoken with the Sindh’s Culture Minister, as well as the Commissioner of Larkana, and we are hopeful that we will work together in renovating and promoting the Sukarno Tower in conjunction of the upcoming 50th anniversary of its establishment next year”.
Talking about steps taken for youth of both the countries, the Indonesian envoy said; “some of the stories that I have narrated were common knowledge in the older generations of both countries, but not the same can be said with the younger generations. To counter this, the Indonesian Consulate initiated two main projects to rekindle the friendship between the younger generation of both countries, namely Indonesia-Pakistan Children Friendship and Indonesia-Pakistan Youth Forum. We hope that these two programs can continuously promote understanding between the publics of both countries, regarding our longstanding friendship”.
Another step taken by Indonesian Consulate Karachi was to bridge the gap between the languages by starting Indonesian Language Class in Karachi, taught directly by certified teacher from the Ministry of Culture of Indonesia. The first batch of this language class will be completed on 30th August, and the next batch will begin next month.
Thanking the press-fraternity exclusively he said; “I would like to extend my gratitude for your efforts in covering various news about Indonesia in local media. Through you, the Pakistani public are aware about what’s happening in Indonesia. I really hope that in the future, we can see more good news about Indonesia in Pakistani newspapers, television, radio and digital media”.
On concluding note, the Indonesian Consul General said; “I would like to thank all of you for the endless support provided by the press to our mission here in Karachi, and wish that our relations would continue to flourish, both personally, and also nationally”.
