THE DAILY IF
article 07

Mexico’s former President Adolfo López Mateos visits Indonesia for the second time. (story contributed by Mr. Luis Fernando Alva, Second Secretary/ Cultural Attache, the Embassy of Mexico, Jakarta)

Will be key-note speaker with Sukarno

The former President of Mexico, Mr. Adolfo López Mateos visits Indonesia for the second time. He was the first Mexican President to visit this country in October 1962. Both, Mexico and Indonesia were struggling to industrialize and integrate their societies. Their struggle was also for peace and self determination for our peoples.

Mr. López Mateos told a speech in 1962, when leaving Indonesia. He spoke about how difficult was for him to leave Indonesia, since he had found extraordinary friends in this country. He then declared that the value of friendship is paramount for Mexicans.

More than 40 years later, these two leaders agreed on the satisfaction to see their countries growth into modern, democratic societies. Mexico and Indonesia remain friends in good and bad times. Both leaders remembered the tragedy of 2004, when tsunami hit the shore of Aceh. Mexico in that occasion gave proof that friendship among Mexico and Indonesia is real, and that distance was no obstacle to contribute to the enormous international effort needed to rebuild the city and provide shelter to survivors.

Education is one of the top priorities of both countries. Skolah Meksiko, founded in October 1962 was the symbol of this conviction. Their students now occupy leadership positions in Indonesia.

One of the most emotional moments of this reencounter occurred when both leaders found out that Ida Sudoyo, the little girl, then 12, (in the picture) who welcomed the Mexican leader during the inauguration of Skolah Meksiko, had become a successful business woman, a pride to her country and family.

After 47 years, Mexicsan music resounds behind the walls of “Skolah Meksiko”, while they enthusiastically participate in a drawing contest on how can children imagine Mexico.