Obama Launches Historic Speech at University of Indonesia

Obama Launches Historic Speech at University of Indonesia

November 10, 2010


Jakarta. United States President Barack Obama said on Wednesday that Muslim-majority Indonesia’s national philosophy of unity between people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds was an inspiration to the world.

“This is the foundation of Indonesia’s example to the world, and this is why Indonesia will play such an important role in the 21st century,” Obama said in a speech at the University of Indonesia during a visit to Jakarta.

Obama also reiterated his determination to push past obstacles to peace in the Middle East, saying the United States has been persistent in the pursuit of peace, despite a history of false starts and setbacks.

The president says enormous obstacles remain, but the United States was committed to overcoming them.

He said the US would spare no effort to reach the goal of two states — Israel and Palestine — living side by side in peace.

In a speech that praised Indonesia, he also reiterated his call for a new beginning between the US and Muslim world.

Some of the 7,500 people that packed that 5,000-seat capacity Balairung UI, University of Indonesia's main function hall, were up at the wee hours of the morning to gather at Parkir Timur Senayan in South Jakarta, where chartered buses were provided to ferry them to the Depok campus. No cars were allowed inside the campus for the event.

Among the hundreds who were at Senayan by 5 a.m., given a blue wristband as they boarded the buses, were Jakarta Globe columnist and Metro TV anchor Desi Anwar; former Miss Indonesia Nadine Chandrawinata; former spokesman of the late President Abdurrahman Wahid, Wimar Witoelar; political analyst Imam Prasodjo and senior journalists such as RCTI chief editor Arief Suditomo.

Special guests seen seated at the VIP section of the hall included former President BJ Habibie, Women Empowerment Minister Linda Gumelar, Education Minister M Nuh and Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Andi Mallarangeng.

Agencies/JG

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