Botschaft der Republik Indonesien

Globe-M: Please tell us about your background.

Mr. Eddy Pratomo: I studied International Law and Diplomacy at St John’s University, New York. Among my positions were Head of the Political Section at the Indonesia’s Permanent Representation to the United Nations, Geneva; Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indonesian Embassy in London; Director General for International Law and Treaties at the Indonesian Foreign Ministry. Since October 2010 I am the Ambassador of Indonesia in Germany.

Globe-M: How do you perceive Germany?

Mr. Eddy Pratomo: Germany is a large country with a developed economy. It has a crucial role in the European Union. Chancellor Merkel is a woman who can really govern her country. We would like to have more cooperation with the German government and German people.

Globe-M: Can you please tell us about history and cultural traditions of Indonesia?

Mr. Eddy Pratomo: Indonesia has a very ancient and rich culture, intertwined with religion and old traditions. There was a Western influence, especially from Portuguese traders and the Dutch colonists. We are influenced also by Arabic, Chinese and Malay cultures. We were also influenced by way of the ancient trading roots between the Far East and the Middle East. We have a multitude of religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Islam. Despite the influences of the foreign cultures, some regions in Indonesia preserve uniquely indigenous culture. Indigenous ethnic groups Mentawi, Asmat, Dani, Dayak, Toraya and many others still practice their ethnic rituals, customs and wear traditional clothes. The only aspect of culture that all ethnic groups share is language. Bahasa Indonesia or Indonesian language is widely spoken although its origin is in the western part of Indonesia. It is used at schools in the government offices and in the press. The major ethnic groups like Javanese and Sundanese still speak their native languages in daily conversation.