London, (ANTARA News) - More than 850 invited guests consisting of various groups such as the diplomatic corps, including Dutch political figures, parliamentarians, and senators were present at the Diplomatic Reception held by the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague.

Also present were the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Balkenende II and III Cabinet, Ben Bot, and Dutch Senate President Ankie Broekers-Knol.

The diplomatic reception was held as one of a series of activities to commemorate the 73rd Indonesian Independence at the residence of the Indonesian Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in Wassenaar, Denhaag, the Second Secretary of Political Function of the Indonesian Embassy in the Hague, NP Widhia S Asak told Antara London on Saturday

The Indonesian Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja opened the event with a brief welcome flanked by Mister and Miss Indonesia 2017, Miquel Sijbers and Nike van der Velde. ?I was accompanied by Mister and Miss Indonesia, as a symbol of strength from diversity, and also proof of two cultures side by side, Indonesia and the Netherlands, he said.

He said besides celebrating independence and diversity, a diplomatic reception was also held to celebrate the friendship between Indonesia and the Netherlands. To the guests, Ambassador Wesaka Puja expressed the pride of the Indonesian people, who successfully hosted the 2018 Asian Games.

In This success, Indonesia has a strong foundation to offer to the world as it is ready to be the host of the 2032 Olympics, "he said.

The Ambassador took advantage of this opportunity to promote Indonesian restaurants in the Netherlands. As a form of commemoration of the 73rd Indonesian Anniversary, the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague published a book 73 favorite Indonesian restaurants in the Netherlands. "If you go home later, please take the book and hope you can visit one of them, "he said.

After the speech, Ambassador Wesaka Puja invited guests to enjoy a variety of Indonesian specialties such as soto ayam, gado-gado, baked goat and various satay of chicken, goat and shrimp. Not to forget, ice teler, various herbs, native Indonesian tea, Bintang beer, as well as Indonesian snacks, such as rolls, spring rolls, and lapis legit cake.

While enjoying the meal, guests were entertained with music offerings from the Krontjong Toegoe group.

The atmosphere is very pleasant, yes, Simon said Simon Boon, President of Gelre International Association, a foundation in the City of Apeldoorn with a focus on cultural, business and international partnerships.

"I always feel like I am at home every time I come here."

said Simon, who had attended the Diplomatic Reception four times, praised the dish that was served that afternoon. ?Very good, I ate satay and gado-gado.

"I really like Indonesian food," he said. His love for typical Indonesian food encourages his wife to take a course in cooking Indonesian food.

Meanwhile Xenia Blair from Utrecht admitted that she really enjoyed the meal that afternoon. "I tasted a lot of food here, said Xenia, with fluent Indonesian. Xenia has a blue Balinese style with a yellow scarf around her waist, claiming the food is delicious. Now I want to eat satay, "Xenia said. *** 2 **** (E002)

Reporting by Zeynita Gibbons

Editing by Eliswan





Reporter: Antara
Editor: Yosep Hariyadi
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