seen on the scene
DIPLOMATIC RECEPTION OF THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF INDONESIA IN HOUSTON
“ THE CELEBRATION OF THE INDEPENDENCE DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA , LIVENED UP BY THE INDONESIAN CULTURAL ARTS PERFORMANCES : “ DIVERSITY IN HARMONY ”
The Indonesian Consulate General in Houston held a diplomatic reception to commemorate and celebrate the 71st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia on September 2nd 2016 at the office of Consulate General in Houston . The event was attended by around 400 invitees composed of City Officials , representatives of foreign countries that are members of the Consular Corps of Houston , representatives of the Office of Foreign Mission , businessmen and academics , local community , and Indonesian community leaders from Greater Houston , Austin , San Antonio , New Orleans , and Florida . Guests were greeted with traditional Javanese gamelan from “ Sekar Keraton ” group and welcoming dance “ Panyembrana ” from one of the most beautiful island in Indonesia , Bali . The reception began with the national anthem “ Indonesia Raya ” performed by American student , Danielle Knobloch and the US national anthem “ Star Spangled Banner ” sung by Indonesian singer , Rey Wowor Graham .
The Consul General of Indonesia , Honorable Henk Saroinsong in his welcoming remarks explained about the development of relationship between Indonesia and the US in the fields of economy , education and social culture . The Consul General stressed the importance of improving economic cooperation between Indonesia and the United States . He stated that the President of the Republic of Indonesia , H . E . Joko Widodo has demonstrated its commitment to prioritize economic cooperation , among others , by building and improving infrastructure , creating jobs , invite more investors to Indonesia , as well as open trade access to the widest breadth of international markets . Furthermore , Indonesia as a country with the greatest economic power in Southeast Asia is ready to play an important role in the global economy within the next 30 years . After the 6 years period of “ Indonesian-USA Strategic Partnership ”, Indonesia feels the need to further strengthen cooperative relations with the United States , especially in the fields of economy , investment , maritime , and renewable energy . This can be done by opening the widest breadth of opportunities of cooperation and collaboration for the sake of the two countries .
Honorable Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee , represented by Mr . Daniel Espinoza , the Congressional Military Liaison / Outreach Coordinator , presented the “ Resolution of Congressional Recognition ” to Consul General Henk Saroinsong , in recognition and appreciation of the constituency Congress District 18 Texas on the performance of the Indonesian Consulate General .
Honorable Congressman Al Green , represented by Ms . Catherine Le and Mr . Sam Merchant presented the “ Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition ” to Consul General Henk E . Saroinsong for the performance and the commitment of the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Houston to promote friendship and good relations in trade , and culture between the two nations .
The Mayor of Houston , Honorable Sylvester Turner , represented by Council Member Steve Le , handed and read the Proclamation to congratulate Indonesia on the 71st Independence Day Anniversary and tribute to the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia and their staff for outstanding performance in promoting friendship and good relations in economy and culture between the two nations . Mr . Robert Hopkins , Deputy Director of the US Department of State , Office of Foreign Mission who had served in Indonesia for several years , gave testimony on the beauty , richness , and diverse of Indonesian culture . The program concluded with a toast proposed by Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia .
8 iF Magazine | OCTOBER 2016