THE DELEGATIONS OF THE FIFA WORLD CUP TROPHY TOUR AT THE STATE PALACE, JAKARTA 7 JANUARY 2014

Selasa, 07 Januari 2014
Di baca 768 kali

SPEECH

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

IN

RECEIVING THE DELEGATIONS OF

THE FIFA WORLD CUP TROPHY TOUR

AT THE STATE PALACE, JAKARTA

7 JANUARY 2014

 

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Mr. Dwight Yorke, FIFA Ambassador, Distinguished Guests, esteemed Members of the press,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Indeed, it is a pleasure for me to once again welcome the FIFA Delegations on the Lounge of the Presidential Palace. Of course, we all know that today's guest of honor is the glorious FIFA World Cup Trophy, and for that I am thankful that Indonesia has been chosen as one of the stops for this FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour.

 

To all our foreign guests today, let me tell you that football is the most popular sport in Indonesia. Therefore, I can guarantee you that when the FIFA World Cup kicks off in June, millions of Indonesians will follow this most celebrated event from their televisions. Indonesia may not yet be fortunate to send our national team to the World Cup. But, believe me, its soccer team has many Indonesian supporters behind them.

 

We will celebrate every victory of their favorite teams. I recall for years ago when Andres Iniesta scored that marvelous goal and sent Spain to World Cup glory, it was not only the Spaniard who celebrated the win. Many Indonesians here joined them in the festivities. And at the same time, I can, can also say that many Indonesians were disappointed with Holland's defeat.

 

Indeed, the FIFA World Cup is not only a sporting event. It is the sporting event, and more so, it is a celebration of peace and diversity. True enough, football players are like modern day warriors who compete for the glory of their countries. But in the World Cup, differences are settled through sportsmanship and friendship. And while teams battle it out on the football pitches, more so than often, the rest of the world is at peace for a moment to enjoy the game. If only such as period for peace could last long after the game, then it will certainly make this world a much peaceful place.

 

Esteemed Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour gives many Indonesians a chance to experience the World Cup magic. This hopefully will encourage many Indonesians to build a stronger national team, so that one day our national team may compete in the World Cup final rounds.

 

On this note, I wish the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour 2014 is success, and most importantly, I wish every success to FIFA and to Brazil in the holding of this very important event. I am confident that it will be a true celebration of peace and humanity. I do have a favorite team in this World Cup, but I will only reveal that to Mr. Dwight Yorke if he promises me to keep it a secret.

 

Once again, thank you.

 

 

Asisten Deputi Naskah dan Penerjemahan,

Deputi Bidang Dukungan Kebijakan,

Kementerian Sekretariat Negara RI