Portugal to help preserve its heritage in Indonesia

Portugal to help preserve its heritage in Indonesia

JAKARTA (JP): In a move to improve Portuguese-Indonesian
relations, Portuguese Ambassador Ana Gomes promised on Tuesday
her government would assist with the preservation of its colonial
heritage here.

"There are so many Portuguese buildings in Indonesia as a
result of our hundreds of years old relationship.

"We will provide funds to conserve and restore our heritage,"
she said as quoted by head of the City Protocol Office Margani.

"We have also published a book on Indonesian-Portuguese
relations which we expect will strengthen our ties," she added.

Gomes paid a courtesy call on Governor Sutiyoso following her
appointment as the first Portuguese ambassador to Jakarta since
the restoration of diplomatic ties between both countries last
December.

Portugal cut its ties with Indonesia in 1975 following
Portuguese Timor's integration into Indonesia, now known as East
Timor.

Gomes expected that the East Timor issue would not pose a
threat to the newly restored diplomatic ties.

"The problem (of East Timor) is only a small part of our long
relationship. Besides, it's already over," she said, alluding to
the UN-sponsored popular ballot in Aug. 31, 1999.

Gomes also asked the governor's permission to renovate
Portugal's deserted embassy building on the corner of Jl.
Indramayu and Jl. H.O.S. Tjokroaminoto in Central Jakarta. It was
deserted when Portugal cut diplomatic ties.

"We'll assign a portion of the building for Indonesians to
know more of our country, such as learning the Portuguese
language," she said.

Commenting on the plan, Sutiyoso said he would first consult
with his staff because the building was located in Menteng, a
preserved area in the city.

Traces of Portuguese influence are strong in some places of
Indonesia. In the province of Aceh, there is a region whose
residents are believed to be of Portuguese descent. The Tugu area
in North Jakarta has a noticeable Portuguese background.

Portuguese forts and other buildings are spread throughout
Indonesia. In Jakarta alone, there are two churches which display
Portuguese influence: the Tugu church in North Jakarta and the
Sion church in West Jakarta.

The word 'church' -- 'gereja' in Bahasa Indonesia -- comes
from the Portuguese 'igreja.' The word 'tent' is tenda in both
languages, while Indonesian's martil (hammer) comes from
Portuguese's martelo.

Portugal's influence in the region started in the 16th
century, long before the Dutch arrived, after it seized the port
of Malaka in 1511. This enabled it control of ships loaded with
spices along the Malaka Strait.

It moved from Malaka directly to the Maluku islands to gain
control of the lucrative spice trade there. In 1580, however, its
colony in Indonesia was decimated when Portugal fell under
Spanish rule. The Spanish king left them only the eastern part of
Timor island, known today as East Timor.

Portuguese held on to East Timor until 1975, when its last
governor-general fled the capital Dili. East Timor was then
integrated into Indonesia in 1976. In 1999, however, the East
Timorese decided to secede from the republic following a popular
ballot amid strong international support for independence. (nvn)