Presentation of Letter of Credence of Ambassador Fientje Maritje Suebu

One of the most important milestones in the beginning of an Ambassador's journey is the presentation of the Letter of Credence. This Credential is the result of Agrément, or the approval of the host country to receive new Head of Diplomatic Mission in that respected country. Without the Agrément, the new  Ambassador cannot come to the new assigned 

Ambassador Fientje Maritje Suebu has been accredited to New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Nieu and the Cook Islands. After her arrival in New Zealand, through Christchurch, we had arranged the presentation of her Letter of Credence on February 2nd. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the event was postponed until February 22nd.

And what a beautiful day it was!

what a beautiful day indeed

The presentation of the Letter of Credence was scheduled to be done in the residence of the Governor-General of New Zealand located in Wellington. I was honored to be selected as one of the entourage of the Ambassador, together with our protocol staff and the Defence Attaché.

Ambassador Suebu and his spouse were inviting us to go together from her residence and we waited for the Crown Car to pick her and another protocol car for us. We left the residence and headed to the Governor - General's Residence where we were welcomed by the Elderies, as part of the traditional way of welcoming new guest, in this case,  Ambassador in the country. Too bad we didn't have the traditional Powhiri, the Maori unique way of welcoming guests in ceremony, which involve speeches, cultural performances, singing and hongi. Hongi is specifically unique, as it's a distinct way of greetings people by pressing their noses together. Well, thanks to COVID-19, this wonderful tradition has to put in halt.

 Presentation of Letter of Credence of Ambassador Fientje Maritje Suebu

So, as we arrived at the  Governor-General's residence, we were welcomed by the elders and the Ambassador and her spouse took pictures together the elders. Then we proceeded to the main room where the Governor-General and her entourages waited. We took our designated spot, continued with the proceedings where Ambassador delivered her speech, presented her Letter of Credence which was well received by Governor-General Rt. Honorable Dame Cindy Kiro, who, in return, delivered her short speech welcoming Ambassador Suebu and conveying messages for bolder relationship between Indonesia and New Zealand. After that, the Ambassador and Dame Kiro exchanged views and had some conversations before we concluded the ceremony and returned back to Ambassador's residence.

 Presentation of Letter of Credence of Ambassador Fientje Maritje Suebu

It was a short  ceremony yet meaningful. As the Ambassador was officially starting her days as the Head of Mission in Wellington, we had a little celebration as well. We gathered at Kafe Seroja and enjoyed nasi kuning, complete with Indonesian menu of black pepper beef, fried chicken, soup, ikan pepes, sambal and lalap, with asinan Bogor as dessert. What a glorious day indeed.

bless us all always..

Nasi Kuning komplit!

 

So, that's a little story about the Presentation of Letter of Credence of Ambassador Fientje Maritje Suebu, the Head of Mission for Indonesia in Wellington. Cheers!