ALBANY, NEW YORK. Six Indonesian community organizations and one institution for the first time, received The New York State Assembly Citation in recognition of their contributions to the advancement and development of the Indonesian diaspora in New York City. The event was name as the Indonesia Community Day celebration, the first and took place in the legislative chamber room of the legislative office building in Albany, earlier this week. The event was purposed and served as an opportunity to promote Indonesian arts, culture, and cuisine.
Attended by members of the New York State Legislature, legislative office leaders, local staff and Indonesian community leaders, the event featured performances by children from the Indonesian diaspora, who presented traditional Dongkrak and Merak dances. "The Indonesian Community Day serves to recognize the contributions, culture, and heritage of Indonesians, not only in Queens but throughout all of New York," stated Assembly Member Steven Raga, who represents the 30th Assembly District. Steven Raga is, indeed, a figure known for his support and friendship to Asian American communities, especially the Indonesian diaspora. "It is always an honor to join and gather with you here at the heart of our Capital, where important decisions are made. This year, we are announcing $30 million in funding for Asian-American non-profit organizations, and I hope that Indonesian community organizations will also apply for these funds," added Steven, whose remarks were met with enthusiastic applause.
The six award recipients were the Indonesian Gastronomy Association (represented by Asep Purnama), Indonesian Culinary Enthusiasts (represented by Fe Fe Anggono), the Parsadaan Bangsa Batak Social Club (represented by Yenny Munthe-West), the Indonesian Senior Club (represented by Soeko Prasetyo), Maesa America (represented by Alfrits Monintja), and Perwakrin USA (represented by Lili Sujonggo Kwan). "Today’s Indonesian Community Day is more than just a celebration of culture, it is a reflection of the strong and evolving partnership between Indonesia and the United States. Our bilateral relations continue to grow, driven not only by cooperation in trade, education, and innovation, but also by the strength of our people-to-people connections.", welcome Mr. Winanto Adi, the Consul General of The Republic of Indonesia in New York. Mr Winanto also received The New York State Assembly Citation for his contribution and support to build and bridging a relationship between local New Yorkers and Indonesian diaspora. The other Senate Members that present during the Occasion were John C. Liu, from 16th District and David I.Weprin, from District 24.
The plan, for this event, is to become an annual tradition, serving as a platform for promoting Indonesia in Albany, the capital of New York State. “As we celebrate Indonesian Community Day today, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to building bridges of friendship, expanding cooperation, and creating opportunities for future generations,” emphasized Mr. Winanto Adi, who warmly welcomed the establishment of this event as an annual Indonesian day.
(Source: NY Readers and Indonesian Consulate in New York. Photo 1 by Dea Kurniawan (KJRI NY) / Photo 2 by Fefe Anggono).
