Marian Students Greet the Indonesian Ambassador

By Ian SerVaas

For many Marian students, spring break is an opportunity to return home, relax, and vacation; however, for a group of chosen global studies students, spring break was an amazing opportunity to tour Washington D.C., interact with politicians, and participate in the fundamental democratic processes of America. The Richard G. Lugar Franciscan Center for Global Studies initiated its inaugural internship in Washington D.C. this year; the internship, a joint program developed between Senator Lugar and Dr. Pierre Atlas, focuses on developing student’s understanding of international studies, foreign relations, and political science. This year’s highlights included meeting with ranking members of the Saban Center at Brookings Institute, the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, Department of Foreign Affairs, and Richard Lugar’s Senatorial Office. One particularly insightful and memorable highlight was the opportunity to meet and dine with the Ambassador to Indonesia.

Senator Lugar’s outstanding relationship with the Indonesian Ambassador allowed the students a rare opportunity. Indonesian Ambassador Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat invited the global studies students to meet, join the embassy staff for lunch, and stay for a presentation on Indonesian defense forces by scholar Connie Rahakundini Bakrie. When first arriving to the embassy, the sheer size of the building is overwhelming. Other embassies on “Embassy Row” range in size, many being much smaller. However, the building was constructed in 1903 and was homage to the White Star line of cruise ships, the same company that produced the famed Titanic. Inside, the grand staircase is a near-identical replication of the staircase from the Titanic. Popular rumor in D.C. states that part of the movie was filmed in the embassy to ensure authenticity.

The building was opulent with its Beaux arts style design combining Louis XV and Art Nouveau influences. Paintings of Indonesian heroes and legends adorned the walls along side stone statues imitating their traditional art. The staff was extremely cordial and gracious, making everyone feel very welcome. We were directed to a meeting room where Ambassador Parnohadiningrat greeted us. He prepared a presentation about the importance of U.S.-Indonesian relations; despite seemingly obvious differences, the two countries share many goals, interests, and projects.
Ambassador Parnohadiningrat then welcomed our questions ranging from current economic policies to cultural practices.

Indonesia is important to the US for many reasons. As stated by a cooperative between the US and Indonesian militaries: “The United States and Indonesia, as two of the world's largest democracies and sharing common democratic values, also shared many common security interests.” Indonesia is home to the world’s largest Muslim population; its many islands and close proximity to Malaysia raises question about the potential for terrorism. Both the US and Indonesia are committed to working together to prevent terrorism from spreading. With US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s recent visit, building and improving US-Indonesian relations is more important than ever.

The US is also the second largest exporting country of Indonesia; natural products, minerals, and food stuffs of Indonesia are commonplace on the American market. The famed “Sumatran” coffee available in Starbucks and other coffee bars, crude and fuel oils, technological products like DVDs, and natural rubber are among some of the most important export goods. Rebounding from their economic collapse a decade ago, Indonesia is gaining new economic strength and importance in the world market.

During our conversation, lunch was ready and served to us. On the buffet were several traditional dishes including beef jerky, coconut milk soup, shrimp kebabs, and spiced vegetables with fried bananas with ice cream for dessert. The entire staff joined us and we talked together. Indonesian scholar Rahakundini presented a lecture entitled “Defending Indonesia,” advocating for an improved defense budget. She even provided everyone a copy of her new book.
At the conclusion of the visit, we were able to take group photographs with Ambassador Parnohadiningrat. He encouraged our continued interested in Indonesia and invited us to study abroad. Education in Indonesia has improved since former President Bush launched a $157 million education initiative. English is an important language in Indonesia and Ambassador Parnohadiningrat stated the need for American students to help teach English throughout Indonesia. After we left the Embassy we all become more globally aware and felt connected to a country a 26-hour plane flight away.

Students are encouraged to discover more about the Richard G. Lugar Franciscan Center for Global Studies. The entire Marian and Indianapolis community are invited to the free events hosted throughout the year. To learn more about the Global Studies Minor, or about the center, contact director Dr. Pierre Atlas at patlas@marian.edu or visit the global studies website http://www.marian.edu/LFCGS/Pages/default.aspx.