Transcript: Mayor Adams Delivers Remarks at Flag-Raising Ceremony for Indonesia

August 23, 2024

Consul General Winanto Adi, Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in New York: Honorable Eric Adams, mayor of New York City, Deputy Governor of Jakarta Mr. Marullah Matali, Mr. Piccolo, Your Excellency Ambassador Nasir and Ambassador Prabowo, Your Excellencies ambassadors to the UN and international organizations, my dear colleagues, consul generals from ASEAN countries, Deputy Commissioner Aissata Camara, my colleagues, Mr. [Andika Permata,] and the delegation from Jakarta, Indonesian diaspora in New York, ladies and gentlemen, very good afternoon.

First, I'd like to thank Bowling Green Association and Mayor's Office for making this event possible. The flag raising ceremony is a special gift for the 79th year of Indonesia's independence as this is the first time Indonesia's flag raising takes place here at Bowling Green, New York City. August 2024 is even more special with the 75th anniversary of Indonesia and U.S. bilateral relations. The two countries are part of the largest democracies in the world. Indonesia just had the biggest and most complicated general election in one day, in February. And then with more than 200 million registered voters, 82 percent turned out and conducted more than 802,000 ballots in more than 3,000 islands. This month is also special because it also marks the new milestone in Indonesian history as we celebrated our Independence Day for the first time in Nusantara, Indonesia's new capital city.

As New York, Jakarta will also no longer be the capital city of Indonesia. Both cities are the centers of economy, creative economy, in their respective countries, and the most diverse cities. New York and Jakarta share the same story. Collaboration between two cities could bring more innovations, more business, and in the end, more prosperity for the people. Mayor Adams and Deputy Governor, hopefully Jakarta and New York could soon be partners in developing their cities for the better. I will be honored to be the bridge builder to bring stronger collaboration between your offices.

Lastly, to my Indonesian fellow here, our independence was won by our founding fathers with the principle of unity in diversity. It has been our values as a nation since then. So, let us keep that in our heart that we are one. Now, we are here in New York City, we do our best to contribute positively to the city we love. We support each other when one succeeds to the top, one pulls the others to reach to the top. Merdeka. Thank you very much.

Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan, Trade, Investment, and Innovation, Mayor's Office of International Affairs: Thank you, consul general. As mentioned, New York City and Indonesia. Mr. Mayor, Indonesia, they speak more than 700 different languages. So, it's like New York.

Also, Mayor Eric Adams always says New York City is the Jakarta of [America]. On the "City of Yes" initiative from the New York City Mayor Eric Adams, when the consul general and the community reached out to us to have an Indonesian flag raising ceremony, the mayor said, yes.

First time in the history of New York City, we are celebrating the Indonesian flag raising ceremony at the heart of New York City, at the Bowling Green. Without further ado, I would like to invite the 110th mayor and a great friend of the Indonesian community, New York City Mayor Honorable Eric Adams.

Mayor Eric Adams: Thank you so much and congratulations, 79 years of rich history and Dilip, the [deputy] commissioner is correct. These are so important, these moments are so important. The role of mayor, I say over and over again, is to be substantive but also symbolic. The substantive issues must keep us safe, must make sure our economy continues to thrive and grow, must make sure our children are educated. Those are the substantive issues as we continue to revitalize our economy and move forward.

But there's also a symbolic role that's being a mayor. What's the symbolism? How do I say you are welcome? How do I say you are important? How do I say we acknowledge your participation in the American dream? We do it like this: parades, flag raising, holding events at Gracie Mansion when we acknowledge your culture and what you contribute to our society. And that is why these flag raises are so significant.

And although it took 110 mayors before your flag is being raised here at Bowling Green, it's never too late to make sure that everyone knows the Indonesian community is very much part of this community. 7,000 strong, your presence in Queens, your presence in Manhattan, your presence in the fabric of our city means so much to me.

And I want to thank you for your contribution because you believe in what I believe in. You believe in family, you believe in faith, you believe in your children, and you believe in public safety. Let's continue to lift up our city as we raise the flags today. Congratulations to your independence and congratulations to having your flag raised here at Bowling Green. Thank you very much.

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