When exploring distant corners of the world, we sometimes unexpectedly encounter fragments of cultural identity that connect us back home. On the afternoon of September 18, 2021, it became an unforgettable moment for me, Barkah Tri Basuki, along with my colleague, Lukman Hakim. After completing a seven-day visit to Panama, we were at Miami International Airport, United States, to continue our aquaculture business trip to Suriname. After enduring a transit at the airport that lasted for almost 12 hours, we felt exhausted and received a surprise that strengthened our sense of familiarity with our homeland. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the airport, we met someone who evoked a longing for our culture and homeland.
At that time, we had indeed planned to continue our business trip to Suriname, a country located in South America. Suriname has its own uniqueness with a significant population of Javanese descent, reaching more than 17 percent of its total population. The Javanese descendants in Suriname have a long history that began in the 19th century when many Javanese people from Indonesia were brought to Suriname as contract laborers for plantations. Their presence has had a broad impact on the culture and society of Suriname, making them one of the most prominent ethnic groups in the country.
With that background, I was very confident that on our flight to Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname, there would be people of Javanese descent who were also on the same plane. This hunch was not only based on the size of the Javanese descendant population in Suriname but also on the strength of the cultural ties we felt. Considering that we are Javanese from Indonesia, I imagined a strong cultural connection that would make it easy for us to meet and interact with fellow Javanese descendants during our trip.
Right when we were waiting in the boarding lounge, my hunch turned out to be true. From a distance, I saw a man who looked familiar. Without hesitation, I immediately greeted him. He returned my greeting with a warm smile and admitted that he also recognized me as a Javanese, originally from Indonesia. It turned out that the man was Mr. Humphrey L. Soerohradjo, a Javanese descendant who owns a business as an IT consultant and also a computer store in Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname.
The meeting with Mr. Humphrey L. Soerohradjo at Miami International Airport was a very special and meaningful moment. As we spoke, we used Javanese mixed with Dutch, reflecting the cultural blend that has long developed among Javanese descendants in Suriname. The language we used was not just a communication tool but also a cultural bridge connecting us to the heritage of our ancestors in a land far from Indonesia. This encounter underlines the importance of preserving the language and culture that are deeply rooted in the history of migration and integration in Suriname.
Moreover, my presence in Indonesian batik clothing enriched the meaning of the meeting. Batik, as a traditional Indonesian garment, not only functions as clothing but also as a symbol of diplomacy and national identity. Through batik, we can introduce and promote Indonesian culture abroad in an elegant and meaningful way. The batik I wore became a visual representation of Indonesian culture and values, showing that even though we were thousands of kilometers from home, our cultural ties remained strong and could be warmly received wherever we were. This is a concrete example of how cultural elements can function as a communication bridge between people from different backgrounds.
Encounter with Mr. Humphrey L. Soerohradjo at Miami International Airport
Regrettably, our conversation had to be cut short due to the boarding call, summoning passengers to board the aircraft promptly. Our journey from Miami to Paramaribo took approximately five hours. After a long wait at the airport for almost an entire day, we fell into a deep sleep on the plane. This exhausting journey finally paid off when we arrived in Suriname, specifically at Zanderij International Airport, at midnight.
Upon arrival in Suriname, we were greeted very warmly by friends from the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Paramaribo. This warm and enthusiastic welcome truly made us feel proud and happy. However, the most pleasant surprise came when we arrived at the KBRI Paramaribo Guesthouse, where we would be staying for the next week.
Arriving at the KBRI Guesthouse, we were greeted warmly and with surprises. One of the most delightful surprises was when a special dish we had long missed was served on the dining table: bakso (meatball soup). The delicious taste and enjoyment of the bakso instantly transported us back to past memories, especially when we savored the legendary "Bakso Tebet Jakarta." Each spoonful of this bakso brought a wave of nostalgia, capable of curing our longing, making us feel as if we were in Jakarta, amidst the hustle and bustle of our beloved country.
The bakso served at the KBRI Paramaribo Guesthouse did more than just satisfy our hunger and longing for Indonesian food after a long journey; it also served as a powerful symbol of the strong ties of Indonesian culture abroad. For us, food is one of the best ways to celebrate our identity and cultural heritage. As we enjoyed the bakso, we felt a stronger connection to our homeland, even though we were far from home. The authentic taste of the bakso served as a reminder that even as we explore the world, we can still find elements of Indonesian culture that make us feel whole.
This moment also reminded us of the importance of preserving and celebrating our culture wherever we are. Food, like bakso, has the power to unite people from diverse backgrounds and create strong bonds. It's one of the many ways we celebrate our cultural heritage, and this experience serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to continue promoting and appreciating Indonesian culture, especially when abroad. We feel incredibly fortunate to be able to enjoy the dishes we love and miss in a land far from Indonesia.
Bakso at the KBRI Paramaribo, Suriname
After savoring the delicious bakso, we finally had the pleasure of resting in one of the rooms at the KBRI Paramaribo Guesthouse. The room prepared for us was exceptionally comfortable, clean, tidy, and beautiful, rivaling the amenities of a five-star hotel. We expressed our deepest gratitude to God for the opportunity to stay in such a comfortable place.
We will be spending approximately one week in Paramaribo, and it will undoubtedly be filled with a busy schedule. However, we are incredibly grateful for the support from the Indonesian Embassy in Paramaribo, who have prepared everything exceptionally well. The facilities provided to us during our stay at the Embassy Guesthouse make us feel right at home, even though we are thousands of kilometers away from our homeland.
This business trip has not only provided us with valuable professional experience but has also enriched us with unforgettable encounters and experiences. Meeting fellow Javanese descendants in a place far from our homeland, experiencing the warm welcome from friends at the Indonesian Embassy in Paramaribo, and enjoying the special bakso dish have become part of our travel story that we will always cherish.
This experience has taught us the importance of fostering close relationships with fellow Indonesians abroad. Moreover, the encounter with Mr. Humphrey L. Soerohradjo serves as proof that the cultural identity we carry, such as batik, can be an identity and a bridge to strengthen communication among fellow Indonesians in a distant land.
This experience also demonstrates that wherever we are, Indonesian cultural identity always holds a special place. When we showcase our culture, as in this case through batik and bakso, we not only preserve the identity and heritage of our ancestors but also clarify our identity as a great and diverse nation.
