In a heartfelt farewell dinner at the Southern Cross Hotel, the outgoing Second Secretary and Head of Information, Social and Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy, Moilong Sarwom, expressed her gratitude to Fiji, a nation she has made her home for nearly four years. The gathering was attended by the Indonesian Ambassador Dupito Simamora, embassy staff, fellow Indonesians, and local friends, all of whom shared in the emotional send-off.
Sarwom began her speech by greeting everyone with “Ni sa bula vinaka,” and reflected on her journey that brought her to Fiji, admitting that it was not her initial diplomatic goal. She reminisced about her dreams of postings in iconic cities like New York or Paris and acknowledged her initial apprehension when arriving in Fiji, having traveled far from her homeland in Indonesia’s Papua province.
However, she described her experience as a profound journey of cultural rediscovery that allowed her to embrace her Melanesian roots. “It was a way for me to reconnect with my Melanesian roots,” she said, emphasizing the pride this brought to her family. Sarwom spoke of the invaluable lessons learned during her tenure, crediting Fiji with teaching her to “slow down, breathe, and live with ‘sega na leqa’” – the Fijian phrase meaning “no worries.”
During her time in Fiji, Sarwom developed a deep appreciation for the islands’ natural beauty, local cuisine, and the warmth of its people, noting that Fiji has become her second home. She reflected on her evolution as a diplomat, stating, “Now, I leave with confidence, proud of how far I have come.”
Her expression of gratitude extended to her colleagues at the embassy, particularly to Ambassador Simamora for his support and mentorship, as well as to the local community, who welcomed her with open arms. “You have accepted me, supported me, and stood by me throughout my journey here,” she shared.
Recognizing the importance of cultural exchange, Sarwom acknowledged the groups she collaborated with, highlighting how their shared experiences would continue to resonate with her, even as she returns to Indonesia. She emphasized that diplomacy transcends policies and programs; it is fundamentally about building genuine human connections.
As the evening progressed, Sarwom candidly discussed the emotional challenges of departure, reflecting on her final days in Fiji and the bittersweet process of packing cherished memories. Despite the emotional weight of leaving, she looked forward with a sense of hope for her reunion with family in Indonesia after a long separation. “Life continued while I was away. I look forward to embracing all that awaits me,” she remarked.
To conclude her farewell, she used the Fijian phrase “Sa moce mada, ia eda na sota tale,” translating to “goodbye for now, but we will meet again,” encapsulating her feelings about her time in Fiji and her hope for future connections. Sarwom’s departure marks not only the conclusion of her official diplomatic service but also a remarkable personal journey that has deepened her cultural ties and left an indelible mark on the Fijian community she now considers family.