Opening Remarks by
Charge d'Affaires a.i. of the Indonesian Embassy:
'Crossing the Boundaries'

At the Exhibition of 'Crossing Boundaries Bali:
A Window to Twentieth Century Indonesia Art'
in Wollongong City Gallery, Wollongong, 30 March 2003

In the name of God, the most compassionate and merciful

Ladies and gentlemen,
Distinguished guests,

        At the outset, I wish to express my appreciation and gratitude to the organizing committee of this august event for giving me the opportunity to officiate this exhibition of Balinese and Indonesian artwork that so beautifully depicts the many aspects of life in Indonesia. Better still, this event has also provided me with an opportunity to visit and wonder around Wollongong, an indeed scenic town.

        Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, is Australia's closest neighbour. The overwhelming diversity of Indonesia's customs, traditions and cultures is something that has for decades intrigued and captivated Australians, who travel to Indonesia for various reasons. Notwithstanding the predicaments with which Indonesia is currently entangled, this diversity continues to dot Indonesians today's life and it is partly or wholly represented here at this exhibition: 'Crossing Boundaries'.

        This exhibition provides an excellent opportunity for Australians to learn more about Indonesia's history, arts and religions. Something that - I am sure you would all agree - is important in expanding further the relationship between our two great nations.

 

Ladies and gentlemen,
Distinguished guests,

        The theme of 'crossing boundaries' is a highly appropriate one as
it is through understanding and appreciating each other's arts and cultures that artificial borders and boundaries can be transcended. It is against this backdrop that I would also like to acknowledge the recent Indonesian tour of an exhibition by Australian artists called `Tracking Cloth', which also provided an opportunity for Indonesians to discover more about Australian artists, their influences and passions.
Interestingly, these Australian artists have all been influenced in some way by the Asian cultures as can be seen in their artworks.

        I would tend to think that this exhibition as complementary to that of 'Tracking Cloth'. Appreciating the artworks displayed here allows us to think about the positive ways in which Australians and Indonesians can be influenced by each other's cultures. These personal and grass-root links created through exchanges of arts and cultures are likely to be more enduring and fulfilling than those within our ever-changing political climate. These are the links we should endeavour to nurture throughout despite any turbulence that may eventuate within the political sphere.

        Finally, I would like to express my support for the continuation of similar projects in the future in an attempt to promote cultural exchanges between Australia and Indonesia. I paid a special tribute to the participating artists for their participation and accomplishment and, at the same time, wish them the very best in their future endeavours.

May God bless us all.

Wollongong, 30 March 2003   Imron Cotan Charge d'Affaires a.i./Minister

 

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Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Canberra - Australia