Indonesian President Adiwisastra Weeps at the Topkapi

Adiwisastra was in Turkey as a guest of the Social and Economic Solidarity Society with Pacific Countries (PASIAD). Apart from stops at historical places such as Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sofia, Adiwisastra also had meetings in Istanbul and Ankara. He had previously visited Turkey in 1996. It was his wife Imas Rohaeni’s first visit.

Adiwisastra said that he had learned about Turkey in his primary school years. He said that he had seen a few Turks in Bendum, the city where he was born. He said that stood out because of their height and their handsomeness, and that he was surprised once more when he visited Istanbul to see that all Turks were like that. He had previously been in Turkey with Prime Minister Suharto for D-8 studies, during Necmettin Erbakan’s presidency.

He took a liking to green olives and honey, in the Turkish breakfast and, on the subject of cuisine, said that the most famous meal of Indonesia was ‘padan’, made of rice.

Indicating that he supported Turkey’s accession to the European Union (EU), Adiwisastra said, "If Turkey becomes a member of the EU, it also becomes our spokesman in Europe. It will form a bridge between the Pacific countries and Europe in terms of economic and politics."

Adiwisastra, who was responsible for the delegation of businessmen and other foundations visiting Turkey prior to his general secretary task, reached an agreement with PASIAD for social and education projects. Pleased with the hospitality he had received from PASIAD in Turkey, he all of its members to his country. Adiwisastra added that Indonesians were very proud of the Turkish National Team’s performance in the 2002 World Cup.