At my office I have seen many people come and go every year.
Getting acquainted to new staff and saying goodbye to staff who have been
posted in Jakarta
for 3 to 5 years happen every year. During these years I get more and more used
to it. The easiest part is of course getting to know new people in the office.
If they show some interests, then I will show some interest too, but if not, do
not expect me to get closer to these new people. The difficult part is to know
that someone who has stolen our hearts has to leave Indonesia .
With other members of the Event Committee I organized a
farewell party for the most honorable and charismatic leading figure who has
done his best to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and
the Netherlands, HE Dr. Nikolaos van Dam. On this occasion, I - on behalf
of the local staff - gave him a speech which touched his heart.
"In one ofHollywood movies Forrest
Gump there is a quote which I find very beautiful: life is like a box of
chocolates, you'll never know what you will get.
"In one of
Every year, it's like that we - who stay in Indonesia - get
a box of chocolates as a present. We always wonder what kind of chocolates we
would get. Fortunately, in 2005 we received a box of chocolates that tasted
incredible delicious. We were sent a leader who was highly respected but in
return who respected his staff, who played a role as a teacher but who was also
willing to learn from others, who wanted to be heard but who was also willing
to listen.
I am very grateful to get the opportunity and the trust to
work with you in translating business documents and your work as well, which
make me able to learn and experience new things.
Thank you for your time to learn about the Indonesian
culture and language.
Thank you for your time to talk and to discuss.
Thank you for your time to relax during the office outing.
Thank you for your time to talk and to discuss.
Thank you for your time to relax during the office outing.
I am sure that after you leave Indonesia , you will find that your
box of chocolates will also be delicious. Keep Indonesia as one of the most
beautiful memories in your life."