Welcoming Asia Africa

For the next six days Indonesia will play host to some of the most important people in Asia and Africa. About five dozen heads of state and government from two of the world's most populous continents will be attending the Asian-African Summit here in Jakarta and a one-day commemorative gathering in Bandung on Sunday.

The events will be preceded by a marathon of high level meetings between senior officials and ministers, which begin today in Jakarta.

Parallel meetings will also be held between business leaders, while various other events, such as seminars and trade fairs, will be convened at various venues across the capital.

All in all, some 2,500 guests have already arrived in Jakarta, or will shortly do so. The operative word to keep in mind here is "guest".

This bustling metropolis is no stranger to such fanfare. It has hosted numerous major events. But this one will be particularly challenging due to the number of countries represented. There have been more complex and intricate conferences, but few can match this coming event in terms of its sheer size.

We would have to go back to the 1992 Non-Aligned Movement Conference for something comparable.

Given Indonesia's experience, we trust that the officials in charge have made thorough preparations. Efficiency and hospitality are the hallmarks of every successful convention.

While the substance of the meetings themselves may seem dreary and tedious, good preparation and management will ensure a strong positive sentiment among delegates during their trips home.

Too often, focus is placed on the financial clout and infrastructure of the organizing committee. Nevertheless, it is the calm smile of organizers during times of high stress; the competence of officials in resolving complex issues; and the sheer hospitality of everyone involved, directly or indirectly, that really matters.

We should learn from our seniors during the original 1955 conference, who received glowing reviews despite having limited infrastructure and resources at their disposal.

India's Jawaharlal Nehru, upon his return from Bandung, was glowing in his praise for Indonesia's organizing of the conference, saying, "they discharged this remarkably well. I doubt if we could have provided the same amenities in Delhi".

However, for the overwhelming majority of people in Jakarta and Bandung, this conference will be nothing more than a hassle. Traffic will be redirected, congestion worsened and security checks increased.

Its not a fun time and the best advice that anyone could probably give is to avoid, in so far as possible, the conference venues.

Many may also complain of the tremendous amount of money being spent on a conference that seemingly has little bearing on the lives of the ordinary people of this archipelago. Their complaints are not only understandable, but justified.

However, this is also a time when we should also think of the greater interests at stake. Great ideals often require some sacrifice. Momentous dreams demand extraordinary exertion.

We -- regular, everyday folk -- will be no more inconvenienced then our forefathers, who had the benefit of even fewer luxuries to ease the "bother" they experienced during the 1955 conference.

While we have a right to remain critical of the conference, we should also extend our warmest hospitality to our guests. It is the image of Indonesia that is at stake, but there is no reason to doubt that the country will again pass with flying colors as it did when hosting past world events.

Positive thinking is required when considering the new infrastructure put in place for the conference. These new structures -- among them the new toll road in Bandung -- will continue to serve the people long after the conference delegates leave the country.

We must remember that these delegates are mostly here to work, and are not on a simple junket to see this exotic archipelago. Furthermore, their arrival here turns the international spotlight on Indonesia. What better (or worse) publicity is there for a country desperate for promotion.

Millions of dollars may be spent on the grand event, but even that will mostly benefit the Indonesian economy -- hotels, transportation, conference venues, administrative costs, etc.

Hopefully, with a little patience, understanding and cooperation we can all get through this week with a smile. Hopefully also, nature will be kind enough not to unleash any more tremors for some time to come.