Deputy Foreign Minister: Translators, Interpreters Play Strategic Role

Deputy Foreign Minister A.M. Fachir with a number of Functional Officials of Indonesian Government Translators, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta, Tuesday (8/5). (Photo by: Public Relations Division/Rahmat).

A translator or interpreter plays a very strategic role in the delivery and execution of the mission. This was enunciated by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs A.M. Fachir when receiving the 27 participants of Functional Training of First Level Translator Batch VII, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta, Tuesday (8/5).

Furthermore, Deputy Minister Fachir said that translators, interpreters have a mission not just to translate but to deliver the message as well.

“Translators, interpreters are not just translating what has been said, but ensuring that the references are also correct, for example, translating the rules that foreigners need to know, working with foreigners. Translators, interpreters do not just translate, but how to deliver the idea to the targeted audience,” Fachir said.

On the occasion, Fachir asserted that translators, interpreters can help ensure and contribute to better interact with outsiders from their respective agencies.

“So the translator and interpreter are not just a tool, but just as a motor. And we must open our insights, because when it comes out (related to other countries), it is no longer regional affairs, it is a national business,” Fachir added.

Concluding his speech, Fachir advised that the training participants have passion in performing their duties as translators and interpreters.

“People who have passion will seek their own knowledge without being asked. Believe me, people who have passion in work will become successful people as they channeled their passion through work and performance,” Fachir concluded.

Meanwhile, Assistant Deputy of State Documents and Translation of Cabinet Secretariat Eko Harnowo said that the visit aimed to broaden the horizon of translators so that they can gain knowledge from a person who has had experience as an interpreter of the President of the Republic of Indonesia.

Also present at the event was Director of Intra-Regional and Inter-Regional Cooperation for Asia Pacific and Africa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andre Omer Siregar, who was also a former interpreter of the President of the Republic of Indonesia. (GUN/EN) (MUR/MMB/YM/Naster).