At a poignant farewell dinner held at the Southern Cross Hotel, Moilong Sarwom, the outgoing Second Secretary and Head of Information, Social and Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Fiji—a nation she has come to regard as her second home during her nearly four-year tenure. The gathering was attended by Indonesian Ambassador Dupito Simamora, embassy staff, fellow Indonesians, and numerous local friends, all of whom came together to bid her an emotional farewell.
Opening her speech with the warm Fijian greeting “Ni sa bula vinaka,” Sarwom reflected on her journey to Fiji, revealing it was not initially part of her diplomatic aspirations. She shared her past dreams of serving in prominent cities like New York or Paris and admitted feeling apprehensive when she first arrived in Fiji, having traveled a long distance from her home in Indonesia’s Papua province.
Over the course of her time in Fiji, Sarwom described her experience as a profound journey of cultural rediscovery, allowing her to reconnect with her Melanesian heritage. “It was a way for me to reconnect with my Melanesian roots,” she said, noting the pride this sense of identity brought to her family. Sarwom expressed deep appreciation for the lessons learned while serving in Fiji, emphasizing how the country taught her to “slow down, breathe, and live with ‘sega na leqa’”—a Fijian phrase meaning “no worries.”
She spoke fondly of Fiji’s stunning natural beauty, savory local dishes, and the genuine warmth of its people, reinforcing her view of the islands as her second home. Reflecting on her personal and professional journey, Sarwom said, “Now, I leave with confidence, proud of how far I have come.”
Gratitude was a key theme of her address, extending particularly to her colleagues at the embassy, including Ambassador Simamora for his unwavering support and mentorship. She acknowledged the local community for welcoming her so wholeheartedly, saying, “You have accepted me, supported me, and stood by me throughout my journey here.”
Throughout her tenure, Sarwom underscored the importance of cultural exchange and the impact of the collaborative work she engaged in, noting that the relationships built will resonate with her even as she returns to Indonesia. She highlighted that diplomacy is about fostering genuine human connections, transcending mere policies and programs.
As the evening drew to a close, Sarwom openly discussed the emotional challenges tied to her departure, sharing her reflections on her last days in Fiji and the bittersweet nature of packing away cherished memories. Despite the sorrow of leaving, her gaze was set towards the future with optimism. “Life continued while I was away. I look forward to embracing all that awaits me,” she expressed.
In parting, she employed the Fijian phrase “Sa moce mada, ia eda na sota tale,” meaning “goodbye for now, but we will meet again,” encapsulating her sentiments about her time in Fiji and her hopes for future reunions. Sarwom’s departure marks the end of her diplomatic service, but it also signifies a significant personal evolution and the lasting bonds she has forged in the Fijian community—a connection that will undoubtedly enrich her journey ahead.