Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh promotes tourism and exports from West Java
The Indonesian Embassy hosted an event on the weekend to promote tourism and exports from the Indonesian province of West Java. The attendees included the usual collection of high ranking dignitaries, government officials and members of the tourist industry privy to such events.
Titled “Exploring the Land of Sunda” guests were treated to a speech from the governor of West Java province as well as a very in-depth virtual tour of the Asia-Africa Museum.
The Asia-Africa Museum celebrates the 1955 meeting in West Java of a number of post-colonial governments, including the then Prince Sihanouk. The meeting is largely seen as the precursor of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), of which both Cambodia and Indonesia were pivotal in forming.
Celebrating the culture of West Java
As well as the virtual element, attendees were also treated to a live dance performance, the chance to play a Javanese musical instruments and tuck into some local food and drinks.
There was also an address by Indonesian Ambassador Sudirman Haseng who congratulated Cambodia on its fight against Covid-19, as well as its re-opening to tourism.
Indonesia recently announced an easing of restrictions for visitors to the tourist mecca of Bali, but the country as a whole remains closed to tourism. Prior to the pandemic (2019) around 14,000 Cambodians visited Indonesia, something all sides hoped will be increased in the post-Covid world.
Exports and souvenirs
With formalities and photo-ops over it was time to dig into some local cuisine, as well as check out the stalls promoting trade, with some selling goods for those inclined.
One of the most interesting stalls was the one representing PT Dirgantara Indonesia, PT Len Industri, PT Dahana, and PT Pindad. It had a heavy emphasis on arms and weapons exports from the country which boasts the strongest military in ASEAN. While one could not purchase guns, we were able to fire a bow and arrow, with a bullseye earning you a rather swish Indonesian military cap.
Other stalls included Indonesian made clothes, cosmetics as well as medicine and foodstuffs, Many of the products on display, such as milk and potato chips are already available at your average Cambodian supermarket.
While it might not currently be possible to travel to West Java, this event did a great job in showcasing future possibilities and has undoudedly added the Indonesian province to a few travel bucket lists.
 | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
 | https://www.cambodialifestyle.com/phnom-penh/ |
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Author: Gareth Johnson
Gareth Johnson is the founder of Young Pioneer Tours and has visited over 180+ countries. His passion is opening obscure destinations to tourism and sharing his experience of street food.
