The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Tunisia recently presented a remarkable book entitled “Indonesia: The Diplomats of Indonesia in Tunisia”, authored and introduced by H.E. Zuhairi Misrawi, Ambassador of Indonesia to Tunisia.
The book is divided into three main parts, each shedding light on different dimensions of Indonesia’s story and its deep-rooted friendship with Tunisia.
The first part, titled “Indonesia: A Mercy from God”, gathers a collection of articles and reports highlighting the beauty of Indonesia and its remarkable progress in various fields. It vividly illustrates the nation’s economic renaissance and underscores Indonesia’s constructive role in promoting global peace.
The second part, entitled “The Intimate Friendship between Indonesia and Tunisia: Ahmed Sukarno and Habib Bourguiba as Models”, offers a profound look at the historical ties between the two nations. In this section, Ambassador Zuhairi Misrawi contributes his own article “Indonesia and Tunisia: Companions”, originally published in the Tunisian daily Echourouk. Among the most notable writings featured in this chapter is the article “When Bourguiba Visited Indonesia and When Sukarno Visited Tunisia”, which retraces key milestones in bilateral relations.
The third part is dedicated to a comprehensive exploration of Indonesian diplomacy in Tunisia. It documents its evolution, achievements, and the enduring spirit of cooperation that continues to strengthen the bond between the two nations.
One of the most remarkable qualities of the book is its style: it blends history, diplomacy, and personal reflection with clarity and elegance. As Ambassador Misrawi writes:
- “Diplomacy is not merely about politics; it is about hearts meeting hearts, cultures meeting cultures, and peoples discovering common dreams.”
- “Tunisia has always been more than a partner to Indonesia; it has been a friend and a companion on the path of progress and freedom.”
In a special excerpt, Ambassador Misrawi reflects:
“Our motto at the Embassy has always been ‘Indonesia and Tunisia: Companions.’ Behind this slogan lies a wealth of stories and beautiful details that I wish to share with both present and future generations. As Ibn Khaldun once said: ‘History in its outward form is no more than a record of events, but in its inner meaning, it is reflection and deep analysis.’
After independence, and particularly since 1954, the Republic of Indonesia embarked on a continuous project of nation-building, seeking to establish a civilization that embraces all its people. This effort focused on fostering economic development, advancing education to prepare intelligent generations, and supporting global stability and peace, as enshrined in the Indonesian Constitution.
In this spirit, we have always paid special attention to building both human dignity and universal humanity, inspired by the vision of our founding leader, Ahmed Sukarno, who laid the foundations of Indonesian sovereignty through the consolidation of political, economic, and cultural independence.”
This book thus stands as both a historical record and a visionary reflection, serving as a valuable contribution to the literature of international relations and cultural diplomacy, while also being a shining testimony to the enduring friendship between Indonesia and Tunisia.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essafi)
