A visit to the Embassy of Republic of Indonesia on July 25th from 11am…

On a hot summer day, 35 members of WKIC and KNCW (Korea National Council of Women) went to visit the Embassy of Republic of Indonesia located in Yeouido. His Excellency Ambassador Umahari himself gave us very informative ideas on overall Indonesian history and culture. He made a brief introduction on his background and the President Jungsook Kim replied with a introduction on Welcome to Korea International Club and the purpose of this visit- to learn about the culture of Indonesia and especially women's life there. 

H.E. Umahari talked about the the similarities between Korea and Indonesia in the history since both countries went through ancient kingdom-foreign invasion- national independence- authoritarian ruling- democracy period together. He mentioned several women warriors like Chutyatni, Mala Hayatti and Kartini who fought with their thought and intellect for the empowerment of women through education. He said that Indonesian constitution put the gender equality on top and explained why so by using the Five Pillars (belief in one God, Humanity, Nationalism, Democracy ad Social Justice) and their 1st election in 1954 and women's suffrage back then. Quite interesting. 

During the Q and A session, Ms. Keumsook Choe, the president of KNCW asked about the Indonesia women's public and social activities, and Ms. Heebok Lee, the formal Police Officer asked about the probability of Hangeul being used by the several Indonesian tribes. H.E. Umahari kindly explained the historic background and the present situation. Since several members will be going to Yogyakarta, Indonesia for attending the ICW General Assembly in September, M. Hillary Kim asked about what to do, and not to do there and H.E. Umahari recommended a few places and things to do as well. 

After the visit, members went to the nearby restaurant, and had Bulgogi set for lunch. Hot sizzling summer would never be able to beat the passion of WKIC members to learn and to be more knowledgeable ^_^