| Hakim Hayat |
HUNDREDS of delighted guests attended the Hari Raya open house hosted by the Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Dr Sujatmiko at his official residence in Jalan Kebangsaan Lama yesterday.
Among the notable guests present were Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, the Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara.
Others joining in on the Aidilfitri get-together included Cabinet Ministers, senior government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps and prominent businessmen.
Dr Sujatmiko alongside his spouse and other Indonesian Embassy officials in Brunei Darussalam were seen mingling with guests over a delicious buffet spread of Indonesian dishes, specially home-prepared by the embassy staff.
Dr Sujatmiko, who was recently appointed as the Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, noted that this was his first Hari Raya experience in the country.
“The best thing about Hari Raya in Brunei is that the festive atmosphere can still be felt even though a week has passed. I was told that Hari Raya is celebrated throughout the whole month here and I am amazed with the kindness, warmth and closeness of the community here in celebrating Hari Raya and in welcoming their guests,” said the ambassador.
It is normal practice for foreign ambassadors to Brunei Darussalam to host such events annually to strengthen ties with the community and to enjoy the festivities with their Bruneian associates as well as their fellow countrymen working and residing in the country.