The Embassy of Denmark in Indonesia together with the Foreign Policy Community Indonesia (FPCI) recently held their third #Ambassador1Day programme, which aims to strengthen the bilateral and people-to-people relationship between Indonesia and Denmark as well as raise awareness among students of the importance of international cooperation.

Ambassador of Denmark, Mr. Casper Klynge and Ms. Syarifah Reihanna Fakhry posed in the Danish Embassy before starting their day
Ambassador of Denmark, Mr. Casper Klynge and Ms. Syarifah Reihanna Fakhry posed in the Danish Embassy before starting their day

To enter this exciting competition, applicants were challenged with writing an essay about how Indonesian-Danish cooperation in the maritime sector could benefit both countries. After a rigorous judging process, Syarifah Reihanna Fakhry from University of Indonesia, triumphed over around 400 other applicants. Ms. Fakhry won the opportunity to shadow Danish Ambassador Casper Klynge for a full day of meetings with Ministers, civil society organisations and private business representatives.

Business breakfast at Danish Ambassador residence
Business breakfast at Danish Ambassador residence

NOW! Jakarta was invited to join Mr. Klynge and Ms. Fakhry on June 22 to witness how insightful and exciting the #Ambassador1Day programme really is. The day began with a business breakfast with the Business Community in Indonesia, followed by a meeting with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in her office.

The two Ambassadors with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi
The two Ambassadors with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi

Other highlights of the day included a visit to Bantar Gebang Landfill in West Bekasi to see the Waste4Change facility and an evening appointment at Jakarta City Hall to commemorate the 489th anniversary of Jakarta with Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama.

Meeting with ASEAN Centre for Energy Executive Director Sanjaya Velautham and his team.
Meeting with ASEAN Centre for Energy Executive Director Sanjaya Velautham and his team.

Not only did the winning student benefit from the amazing experience of being an ambassador for a day, but she will also go on a two-week study trip to Denmark where she will meet with high-level government and private sector representatives. “We are proud to be able to give a talented Indonesian student this unique opportunity to experience the world of diplomacy from the inside. We believe that it is important to increase transparency and openness around the daily work of diplomats and government officials in order to continue to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Denmark,” said Mr. Klynge.

Upon returning from the two-week study trip, Ms. Fakhry will act as the Danish Youth Ambassador to Indonesia, participating in select events and meetings throughout the year and contributing to strengthening the relationship between the two countries.