Indonesian Minister of Tourism Attends the Occasion of Moroccan National Day

PERSISMA, JAKARTA – The Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Arief Yahya, attended the ceremony of the Morocco Kingdom National Day celebration, held at Hotel Oriental Mandarin, Jl. M. H. Thamrin, Jakarta, Monday, July 31, 2017. In addition to Minister Arief Yahya, also present Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Yasonna Laoly. The two high-ranking officials were seen among not less than 1000’s of invitations packed into the reception room located on the 3rd floor of that luxury hotel in Central Jakarta.

It is known that at the end of July each year, people of Morocco celebrate the National Day of Moroccan Kingdom (Moroccan National Day). Usually, the reception is held on 30 or 31 July. In this 2017, the Morocco National Day reception is held on Monday, July 31st.

Essentially, the Moroccan National Day is the commemoration of the Crown Prince’s Day to become the King of Morocco. Morocco National Day Reception in 2017 is the 18th anniversary of the King Mohammed VI Coronation to become the King of Morocco. In other words, the King of Morocco, King Mohammad VI, has served as King of Morocco for 17 years, and will go through the 18th year.

The commemoration of Morocco National Day is held by almost all Moroccan embassies in various countries. In Jakarta, the commemoration is always held by inviting people from various background, such as Embassies, Government of Indonesia, consulate offices, national elite figures, either in politics, economics, and socio-culture. Also, they always invited from the elements of community organizations, associations of Moroccan alumni, Moroccan society in Indonesia, and journalists.

From the Indonesian Citizen Reporters Association (Persatuan Pewarta Waga Indonesia – PPWI), besides its chairman Wilson Lalengke, also seen present in the occasion the treasurer Ms. Wina and PPWI Ambassador Miss Putri, along with dozens of members of PPWI Jakarta. In addition, Mbak Maya from the Istana Bocah Nusantara attended the event together with the TVRI crews who served to cover the event.

On the occasion of Morocco National Day celebration this year, which lasted from 19:00 to 22:00 pm, the event begins by playing the national anthem of both countries, Morocco and Indonesia. After that, it continued with a speech by the Ambassador of Morocco for Indonesia and representatives of the Republic of Indonesia. After the speech delivered by officials of both countries, the ceremonial event was closed by cutting the cake jointly by dozens of national figures of both countries.

In his speech, His Excellency Ouadia Benabdellah, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Indonesia expressed his optimism that the cooperation of his country with Indonesia will be closer, stronger and mutually supportive. “Indonesia and Morocco share the same values of democracy, tolerance, pluralism, moderate Islam and peace,” Mr. Benabdellah said.

On the other hand, Minister Arief Yahya, who represents the Government of Indonesia welcomes and is very impressed with the event of Morocco’s National Day by the Moroccan Embassy in Indonesia. Morocco is one of the best friend countries of Indonesia since the beginning of its independence. Relations between the two countries have been well established since the first President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ir. Sukarno, who personally has friendly relationship with the Moroccan King Hassan II, who is the grandfather of King Mohammed VI.

“Morocco is a friendly country for Indonesia in parts of the North African Continent that is very close and supportive for long time. Moroccan society has even since the Middle Ages established good relations with the people of Indonesia, through trade relations, culture and Islamic religion. Ibn Battuta’s, a Moroccan traveler, work about the Islamic Kingdom of Pasai is such historical evidence showing that Indonesia and Morocco have been friendly since hundreds of years ago,” said Minister Arief Yahya.

The celebration of the Moroccan National Day is expected to be an important moment for maintaining and strengthening the ropes of friendship and brotherhood between the two nations. “We strengthen cooperation in various fields between Morocco and Indonesia for the benefit of both countries and the world,” concluded Arief Yahya.

The event then continued with a dinner together. The guests, besides enjoying the Moroccan cuisine, can also order their respective Arabic calligraphy names which are instantly made by a Moroccan calligraphy artist at the venue. For those invited women, it was also provided ornament painter who help making typical of Morocco painting on their hands with a variety of unique colors and motifs. (AL)