It such an honor to be invited by Azerbaijan Embassy to celebrate the 101st Anniversary of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. The celebration was held in Bali Room, Kempinski Hotel Jakarta (April 29, 2019).
This was my second time to attend the celebration. Last year, I still remembered there were so many guests invited includes Ustaz Yusuf Mansyur. This year I also see many popular people such as actress Widiyawati, a politician of Golkar Party Meutya Hafid, and also Sofyan A Djalil, Minister of Land and Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia.
Surprisingly, Ruslan Nasibov, Deputy Ambassador of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic for Indonesia, still remembered me. He welcomed warmly all the guest in the gate. I met him twice on the same occasion and once in his office.
"Indonesia is a brotherly and friendly country to Us" said Ruslan.
Yes, I think Indonesia could learn to Azerbaijan how the live in diversity. Azerbaijan is a multicultural country. All ethnic and religious groups live in Azerbaijan in peace and harmony.
Sadly, today Indonesia is divided by political issues. Yes, we could unite again if we want to learn from Azerbaijan, how this county which has the first parliamentary democracy in the Muslim world could live in harmony.
I think there is a similarity between Indonesia and Azerbaijan struggling in poverty. In the last fifteen years, the level of poverty dropped to 5,4 percent, the economy grew more than there times. With the population reached 10 million people the could live well. While Indonesia with 267 million people, could drop poverty into 9,82 percent in 2018.
The good news, PT Pos Indonesia launched special stamp on the occasion of 100 years the Diplomatic Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This would be great collectible items for stamp's collectors.