"It was our target to defend the President`s Trophy," said Noviendi Makalam, the head of the Indonesian delegation from the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry, after the 124th Pasadena Rose Parade in California on Monday.
He stated that last year the Indonesian float had won the award for best flower arrangement by a non-commercial party.
"However, we are not satisfied yet. We deserve to get a higher-level trophy," Noviendi pointed out.
During the annual event, Indonesia presented two units: one was a small float exhibiting the stupa and gamelan ornament of Central Java, while the other was a big float showcasing the Golek puppets of Krishna, Arjuna and Gatot Kaca.
In order to win a higher-level award next year, Noviendi said, the government and private parties would need to collaborate with each other.
The ministry`s former director for international promotions noted that the participation of Indonesia in the parade was part of the government`s efforts to promote the country as a tourism destination in the US market.
"National tourism promotion in the USA should be done not only through third-party sales, but also by introducing Indonesia to the people of USA," Noviendi explained.
Indonesia`s Tourism and Creative Economy Minister, Mari Elka Pangestu, said the Pasadena Rose Parade was attended by a million people, while 34 million people watched it on the television.
"Indonesia first participated in the event in 1990, and everybody remembers it. The American people remember us, so it is easy for us to come back," the minister stated.
Last year, Indonesia took part in the parade after a gap of 16 years.
In 1992 and 1995, Indonesia had won the "Grand Marshall`s Trophy" for the most creative float.
(B019/INE/H-YH)
Editor: Suryanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
