‘Let's show elegance and dignity of culture of hospitality,’ says Indonesian Bishop
Bishop Siprianus Hormat of Ruteng Diocese encouraged the people to show the Manggaraian culture of "tiba meka" (welcome visitors) by receiving eleven ASEAN leaders and their delegations at the ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo.
"Let us create a cool, comfortable, and joyful atmosphere for the 11 ASEAN heads of state, their delegations, and all visiting tourists," the prelate stated in a pastoral address on May 6.
He added that "Let us demonstrate the splendor and nobility of culture to welcome guests of the Manggarai people to this illustrious international celebration."
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organization composed of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
From May 9 to 11, 2023, the ASEAN Summit will be held in Labuan Bajo, Flores, Nusa Tenggara Timor, Indonesia. Eleven ASEAN leaders have verified their attendance at the annual East Asian Nations gathering.
The Bishop praised the President of Indonesia for designating Labuan Bajo and Flores Island as Super Priority Tourism Destinations (DPSP). He invited everyone in the Diocese to work with the government to make the ASEAN Summit historic.
"Because of its policy, Labuan Bajo was also selected as the location for the ASEAN Summit," he explained.
The prelate hoped the ASEAN Summit would promote a Prosperous, and Ecologically Sustainable Economy (SAE) and that the delegates would return home safely.
"Let our noble guests return to their respective countries with beautiful narratives about the brotherhood and warmth of Manggarai culture and the beauty of our beloved Nucalale Land," he said.
"With any luck, the impetus of the ASEAN Summit will become a literacy of hope in the realization of holistic tourism that is participatory, cultural, and sustainable on the land of Congka Sae Manggarai Raya, Nusa Bunga Island, Flores,” the bishop concluded.
Labuan Bajo is in Ruteng Diocese on Indonesia's majority-Catholic island of Flores. It is a departure point for excursions to Komodo Island and Rinca Island, both home to the renowned Komodo dragons.
The Indonesian government has designated Labuan Bajo as one of the country's premier tourist destinations.
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