Receiving Adipurna Star, Xanana Gusmao Sheds Tears

Receiving Adipurna Star, Xanana Gusmao Sheds Tears

Amid his working visit to Bali in order to open Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) VII, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) conferred Adipurna Stars, the highest awards which Indonesian government can confer on foreign citizens, on the Philippines President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and East Timor Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, in Bali International Convention Center (BICC), Nusa Dua, on Friday afternoon (10/10).

In his remarks, President SBY said that President Aquino III deserves the Adipurna Star for his significant contributions to the Philippines-Indonesia bilateral relations which have opened up many opportunities in various fields for both countries, such as in economic sectors, commercial sectors, and exclusive economic zones (EEZ).

“Indonesia is really waiting for further cooperation between Indonesia and the Philippines in ASEAN Community,” President SBY concluded.

Meanwhile, the Philippines President Benigno Simeon Aquino III said that it was such a rare honor for him to receive the Indonesian award Adipurna Star from President SBY and Indonesian peoples.

According to President Aquino III, both Indonesian language and Filipino language share many same words, such as cinta (love), anak (child), and balik (return). “Those three words have same pronunciation and same meaning in both Indonesian language and Filipino language,” he stated.

President Aquino III also expressed his gratitude for Indonesia’s solidarity toward the Philippines peoples who were badly affected by the tropical typhoon some time ago.

“Mr. President, you’re not only a friend but also a brother to many nations,” President Aquino III said.

Shedding Tears

Meanwhile, East Timor Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao couldn’t hide his deep emotion when he received the Adipurna Star award from President SBY. When he delivered his remarks, the Prime Minister was seen to shed tears.

“The Adipurna Star award is the highest award for me. I extend my gratitude on behalf of East Timor’s peoples,” Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao said. He admitted that he feels very close brotherhood between Indonesia and East Timor.

Meanwhile, President SBY stated that Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao’s contribution shows his serious commitment to build strong foundations for both countries’ bilateral relations.

President SBY considers that Indonesia and East Timor serve each other as not only good neighbors but also good friends. He mentioned that so far, there have been 49 agreements signed by both countries. Those agreements concern various fields, such as the agreements concerning border cooperation and economic cooperation which enable both countries’ trade to increase every year.

In connection with educational fields, in 2013 only, more than 9000 East Timor citizens pursued their education in Indonesia.

The Adipurna Star award of the Republic of Indonesia is the highest award that Indonesian government can confer on foreign citizens.

The ceremony of the conferment of the Adipurna Star awards was also attended by, among others, Coordinating Minister of Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto, Minister of Foreign Affairs Marty Natalegawa, Minister of Law and Human Rights Amir Syamsuddin, and Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika. (Humas Setkab/ES)