Malaysia To Continue Forging Stronger Ties With Indonesia

By Mohd Nasir Yusof

JAKARTA, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Despite being a target of negative reports by the mass media off late, Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia Datuk Zainal Abidin Mohamed Zain said his mission here will continue to forge stronger ties with the host country.

One of the efforts is by bringing Malaysians in Indonesia, especially in this capital city, closer to the various local communities including the orphans.

"In almost all suitable events, we surely invite orphans as guests such as in the Hari Raya party held at the embassy last night that was attended also by 100 orphans who looked very happy," he told Bernama here today.

The orphans from three orphanages -- Darul Ulum, Darul Taufiq and Orphan Education House -- were treated as special guests and each received Rp20,000 and reading materials about Malaysia.

Before this, orphans were also invited to charity events hosted by a company that distributes Proton cars in Indonesia and the Malaysian Embassy Women Wives Association in Jakarta.

At the Hari Raya gathering, the guests were entertained by band Ungu. Zainal Abidin and a number of guests also sang several songs.

"We believe, as popular a band, Ungu can help deliver positive messages... I have also asked them to include it in their shows elsewhere either in Indonesia or Malaysia," Zainal Abidin said.

He said the Malaysian Embassy invited the orphans and the popular band to its function not because it was trying to gain publicity but as a sincere effort to get close to the Indonesian people and gradually improve Malaysia's image which had been tainted by several incidents back home.

Among the 800 guests at last night's celebration were Indonesian president spokesman Dino Patti Jalal, former Indonesian foreign minister Ali Alattas and artiste Tantowi Yahaya.

They were served with various Malaysian dishes such as nasi lemak wrapped in banana leaves, prawn noodles and teh tarik.