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Dignitaries flock to Austrian National Day reception
Happy cutting: Austrian Ambassador to Indonesia Klaus Wolfer (right) and Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly Taufik Kiemas (second right) cut a giant cake during a reception to celebrate Austrian National Day at the Hotel Indonesia Kempinski in Jakarta, on Monday
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span class="inline inline-center">Happy cutting: Austrian Ambassador to Indonesia Klaus Wolfer (right) and Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly Taufik Kiemas (second right) cut a giant cake during a reception to celebrate Austrian National Day at the Hotel Indonesia Kempinski in Jakarta, on Monday. JP/Wendra Ajistyatama
On Monday evening in Jakarta, there was a little confusion over whether the Austrian National Day reception was at the Hotel Indonesia Kempinski's Ballroom or Bali Room.
The event was actually in the Bali Room, an opulent function hall that was redesigned with a blend of Balinese wood carvings and Romanesque columns.
Generally chief guests do come late. But one of the first guests to arrive on time was People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Taufik Kiemas.
The host, Austrian Ambassador to Indonesia Klaus Wolfer, and his wife, Diane Wolfer, warmly welcomed more than 800 guests. Ambassador Wolfer is a popular as well as a jovial diplomat around town.
Wolfer spoke in English, Indonesian and German to the audience to announce the launch of a book, Austria and Indonesia, marking what was also the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Austria.
"Indonesia is a great friend and partner in developing cooperation within the United Nations," Wolfer said, in relation to Austria's upcoming chairmanship of the UN Security Council.
True to Wolfer's popularity and his wife's Indonesian links, the presence of guests was really impressive. Besides Taufik, Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, State Minister for the Environment Gusti M. Hatta, State Minister for Disadvantaged Regions Ahmad Helmi Faisal Zaini, Presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal and several other politicians and lawmakers attended the colorful event.
From the Foreign Ministry, starting from Deputy Foreign Minister Triyono Wibowo, former ambassador to Austria, secretary-general Imron Cotan, Director General for American and European Affairs Retno L.P. Marsudi, Director General for Multilateral Affairs Rezlan Ishar Jenie, to the Director for West European affairs Dewa Made J. Sastrawan were present at the event.
Several Indonesian former diplomatic stalwarts such as Nugroho Wisnumurti, Wiryono and Sabam Siagian were seen at the reception.
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Yousif R. Alsharhan as well as more than 60 ambassadors, members of the business community, prominent members of both the Indonesian and Austrian communities were also there.
The reception was sponsored by PT South Pacific Viscose, Navigat Energy, Andritz Hydro, Kopf Group and other Austrian companies with a presence in Indonesia.
Heaps of fresh food awaited the guests, including the trademark Weiner schnitzel, bratwurst and strudel. There was a free flow of wine and other drinks.
