HAMBURG, Germany — The Asien-Afrika-Institut der Universität Hamburg was filled with a spirit of unity and friendship on the evening of June 30, 2023, as it hosted the 43rd anniversary celebration of the Deutsch-Indonesische Gesellschaft Hamburg e.V. (DIG Hamburg). This memorable gathering, moderated by Dr. Maximilian von Gerdtell and Claudia Siregar, seamlessly integrated in-person and virtual participation from distinguished attendees. Among these were the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hamburg, Ardian Wicaksono, and the Deputy for Funding and Investment of the Nusantara National Capital (IKN) Authority, Agung Wicaksono, along with students, friends, and the wider DIG Hamburg community.
“Von der (Noch-)Hauptstadt Jakarta zur neuen Hauptstadt: Nusantara” – Agung Wicaksono, the Deputy for Funding and Investment of the Nusantara National Capital (IKN) Authority (on screen), and Ardian Wicaksono, the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hamburg (standing), discussing the development scheme for the future capital of Indonesia. | Copyright: Andreas Kurschat
DIG Hamburg Chairwoman Dyah Narang-Huth started the celebration with a heartfelt speech that highlighted the strong bond between Germany and Indonesia. She declared the evening as a meaningful convergence of significant milestones – the 43rd anniversary of DIG Hamburg since the organization's establishment on June 6, 1980, the 496th anniversary of Jakarta, and the excitement surrounding the upcoming Nusantara Capital City (IKN).
Emotion-filled moments came alive when "Melati di Tapal Batas" (Jasmine on the Edge), an iconic Indonesian song by the famed Ismail Marzuki, reverberated around the hall in German and Indonesian. As Andreas Kurschat, a consultant in development education and program manager of STUBE Niedersachsen at Kirchlicher Entwicklungsdienst (KED), Hannover, delivered the German rendition, the song's message of love, loyalty, and resilience touched the audience.
The cultural vibrancy of Indonesia was beautifully displayed through Amelia Arnold's performance of the spirited "Jaipong" dance. Her captivating movements paid tribute to the West Javan tradition, bringing an added charm to the event.
Agung Wicaksono, joining via video conference, showcased the grand plans for Indonesia's new capital city situated in the North Penajam Paser regency of the East Kalimantan province. His presentation underlined the harmonious integration of the project with the existing environment and the critical role of international collaboration in realizing this vision.
A panel discussion featuring Agung Wicaksono and Consul General Ardian Wicaksono, moderated by Claudia Siregar, explored Indonesia's evolving influence in global diplomacy. Consul General Ardian Wicaksono emphasized the imperative role of the younger generation, whether residing in Indonesia, studying abroad, or part of the diaspora, in achieving Indonesia's vision of a "golden era" by 2045. As Consul General Ardian Wicaksono's tenure in Germany concludes this year after three years, a special gift was presented on behalf of the DIG Hamburg to express gratitude.
From left to right: Ardian Wicaksono, the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Maximilian von Gerdtell, and Claudia Siregar, the moderators of the 43rd anniversary celebration of the Deutsch-Indonesische Gesellschaft Hamburg e.V. (DIG Hamburg). | Copyright: Hayyu Mahabbah
As the event concluded with a delightful open buffet of German and Indonesian finger foods, guests enjoyed the cuisine while fostering new connections and renewing old ones. A collective snapshot captured the shared joy and warmth of this memorable evening.
In essence, the 43rd anniversary of DIG Hamburg was more than a celebration; it was a testament to the enduring bond and unity between Germany and Indonesia – two worlds apart, yet united by shared values and aspirations.
Hayyu Mahabbah