Emphasizing the importance of dining at the same table to represent unwavering unity between the Philippines and Indonesia, the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Davao City visited Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU).
The Indonesian delegation led by the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Davao City, Dr. Achmad Djatmiko, pointed out the importance of the act of sharing meals together as a symbol of global peace and serenity.
“The act of sharing meals together transcend[s] borders and languages, forging connections that bridge the gaps between different cultures. It is in this spirit of unity and understanding that we appreciate the collaboration with Ateneo de Davao University.”
Accordingly, Djatmiko told Atenews that staying here in Davao City for the past one and a half years has shown similarities in tradition and culture, even with the indifference in language between the two nations.
“Well, in the Philippines, actually, particularly the Davao City, I’ve been one and a half years here, and I don’t feel that everything is very strange. Everything is just the same between us. Actually, what I can feel is that we are different in language, but for anything else, tradition and food and culture is quite similar,” Djatmiko said.
Dr. Djatmiko further expressed his future intentions to regularly engage in these kinds of activities that cultivate and sustain relations between countries. He also suggested an exchange student program to share and experience knowledge with one another.
“It’s better for you maybe to go to Indonesia and also invite Indonesian students here so we can exchange. Student exchange, lecture something like that, and we can also share ideas and share knowledge of one another. Because actually in this kind of era, we are actually in the very globalized world, [connected] one to another,” Djatmiko stated.
The whole Indonesian delegation also prepared a traditional Indonesian rice dish Nasi Tumpeng to show the ongoing and strengthening friendship between the two countries.
“And today, as a symbol of the enduring relationship and mutual understanding between the Indonesian Consulate Office and Ateneo de Davao, we bring to you a truly special offering – cone-shaped rice dish, nasi tumpeng is a traditional Indonesian dish that holds divine and cultural significance,” he said.
“As we share nasi tumpeng with you today, it is our way of extending our own gratitude for the comradeship and camaraderie that we have with Ateneo de Davao.”
The Indonesian Women’s Organization also showcased their cultural performance to the audience, where they invited the audience to partake in their dance number.
The food and culture festival was organized by the Ateneo International Studies Students Organization on September 29, 2023, at the Finister Hall, 2F.