Two Interesting Points

Mr. Nadjib Riphat Kesoema (Head of Education dan Training Centre Departement of Foreign Affairs RI) and Mr. Boer Mauna (ex. Ambassador of RI in Kingdom of Morroco and Egypt) visit Morocco for several days and meet Indonesian community, here in Rabat, Monday, Oct 24, 2005.

At least, there are two interesting points from the meeting: first, early clues about strong historical-religious relation between Indonesia and Morocco. These clues are reflected in the Islamic rituals practiced by Indonesian traditional Moslems, such as burial tradition, praying ceremony held at 7, 40, 100th day from the death day, etc. The referencial evendence shows that Ibnu Batuta (8th H century Moroccan famous adventurer) visited Samudera Pasai twice in his trip to China from India. One of 'nine saints' (wali songo) who spread Islam in Java: Maulana Maghribi was from Morocco. Moderate Islam as kind of daily practicing Islam in two countries is also the evidence of that historical relation. All these early evidences make us think about more seriously research on historical facts about relation between two countries in order to strengthen and enrich islamic and civilisation studies in Indonesia.

Second, reformation held by Departement of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia in educating and training its diplomats. This drives us to talk about facts that most of Indonesian diplomats in Arabic countries are languagely and culturally incapable, because most of them don't speak Arabic nor master Arabic culture. Of course, in this situation, it's difficult for them to maximize their diplomation efforts to help economic and social recovery in Indonesia. Mr. Nadjib explains that The Departement of Foreign Affairs has made correct steps to solve this problem. We are waiting the result of this effort. Cause the country pays so much to their diplomats abroad in fact that the poverty in the country increase more and more...

Thanks you Mr. Nadjib for the impressing presentation and "bienvenue chez nous" Mr. Boer...