Welcoming Asia Africa<\/p>\n
For the next six days Indonesia will play host to some of the
\nmost important people in Asia and Africa. About five dozen heads
\nof state and government from two of the world's most populous
\ncontinents will be attending the Asian-African Summit here in
\nJakarta and a one-day commemorative gathering in Bandung on
\nSunday.<\/p>\n
The events will be preceded by a marathon of high level
\nmeetings between senior officials and ministers, which begin
\ntoday in Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Parallel meetings will also be held between business leaders,
\nwhile various other events, such as seminars and trade fairs,
\nwill be convened at various venues across the capital.<\/p>\n
All in all, some 2,500 guests have already arrived in Jakarta,
\nor will shortly do so. The operative word to keep in mind here is
\n\"guest\".<\/p>\n
This bustling metropolis is no stranger to such fanfare. It
\nhas hosted numerous major events. But this one will be
\nparticularly challenging due to the number of countries
\nrepresented. There have been more complex and intricate
\nconferences, but few can match this coming event in terms of its
\nsheer size.<\/p>\n
We would have to go back to the 1992 Non-Aligned Movement
\nConference for something comparable.<\/p>\n
Given Indonesia's experience, we trust that the officials in
\ncharge have made thorough preparations. Efficiency and
\nhospitality are the hallmarks of every successful convention.<\/p>\n
While the substance of the meetings themselves may seem dreary
\nand tedious, good preparation and management will ensure a strong
\npositive sentiment among delegates during their trips home.<\/p>\n
Too often, focus is placed on the financial clout and
\ninfrastructure of the organizing committee. Nevertheless, it is
\nthe calm smile of organizers during times of high stress; the
\ncompetence of officials in resolving complex issues; and the
\nsheer hospitality of everyone involved, directly or indirectly,
\nthat really matters.<\/p>\n
We should learn from our seniors during the original 1955
\nconference, who received glowing reviews despite having limited
\ninfrastructure and resources at their disposal.<\/p>\n
India's Jawaharlal Nehru, upon his return from Bandung, was
\nglowing in his praise for Indonesia's organizing of the
\nconference, saying, \"they discharged this remarkably well. I
\ndoubt if we could have provided the same amenities in Delhi\".<\/p>\n
However, for the overwhelming majority of people in Jakarta
\nand Bandung, this conference will be nothing more than a hassle.
\nTraffic will be redirected, congestion worsened and security
\nchecks increased.<\/p>\n
Its not a fun time and the best advice that anyone could
\nprobably give is to avoid, in so far as possible, the conference
\nvenues.<\/p>\n
Many may also complain of the tremendous amount of money being
\nspent on a conference that seemingly has little bearing on the
\nlives of the ordinary people of this archipelago. Their
\ncomplaints are not only understandable, but justified.<\/p>\n
However, this is also a time when we should also think of the
\ngreater interests at stake. Great ideals often require some
\nsacrifice. Momentous dreams demand extraordinary exertion.<\/p>\n
We -- regular, everyday folk -- will be no more inconvenienced
\nthen our forefathers, who had the benefit of even fewer luxuries
\nto ease the \"bother\" they experienced during the 1955 conference.<\/p>\n
While we have a right to remain critical of the conference, we should
\nalso extend our warmest hospitality to our guests. It is the
\nimage of Indonesia that is at stake, but there is no reason to
\ndoubt that the country will again pass with flying colors as it
\ndid when hosting past world events.<\/p>\n
Positive thinking is required when considering the new
\ninfrastructure put in place for the conference. These new
\nstructures -- among them the new toll road in Bandung -- will
\ncontinue to serve the people long after the conference delegates
\nleave the country.<\/p>\n
We must remember that these delegates are mostly here to work,
\nand are not on a simple junket to see this exotic archipelago.
\nFurthermore, their arrival here turns the international spotlight
\non Indonesia. What better (or worse) publicity is there for a
\ncountry desperate for promotion.<\/p>\n
Millions of dollars may be spent on the grand event, but even
\nthat will mostly benefit the Indonesian economy -- hotels,
\ntransportation, conference venues, administrative costs, etc.<\/p>\n
Hopefully, with a little patience, understanding and
\ncooperation we can all get through this week with a smile.
\nHopefully also, nature will be kind enough not to unleash any
\nmore tremors for some time to come.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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