Welcoming Asia Africa

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.