We couldn’t be happier when we heard the news that we’re among those invited to
the Iftar (buka puasa) with His Excellency Joseph R. Donovan Jr., Ambassador of the United States to Indonesia. Five of us from the working committee of YAIUI represented our foundation for this RSVP-based event: Dhiny Novianti (‘87), Ade Hastuti (‘08), Mellisa Rahardjo, Aprilageng Sarwoadhi/ Choky (‘08), Yohanes Mangitung (‘04), and later joined by Andries Sibarani (MBA ‘94).
Indiana University alumni posing with His Excellency Joseph R. Donovan Jr., Ambassador of the United Stated to Indonesia
The event was held at the Ambassador’s residence at Taman Suropati in Central Jakarta. But don’t get it wrong, getting around Central Jakarta wasn’t a smooth sailing especially on a Ramadan evening when people get o from work earlier for Iftar. We were fortunate enough to arrive 30-minute earlier.
When we arrived, there were already number of alumni from other US universities such
as University of Michigan, Ohio State University, University of Oregon, George Washington University, University of Wisconsin Madison, and several other.
Group picture with fellow US alumni.
Photo credits US Embassy Jakarta https://www.flickr.com/photos/usembassyjakarta/
The event was a very relaxed one, started with the Ambassador giving a welcome speech, followed by the hitting of the drum marking the Iftar. We quickly managed our way to have a group photo with the Ambassador and his wife. The event continued with dinner and networking event with fellow alumni from other US schools.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the invitation by the US Ambassador and the entire staff of US Embassy in Jakarta!