Privet, Kawan GNFI and Seasians!
The latest Embassy Visit program brought over 50 participants to the Embassy of Russia in Indonesia on January 23. In this GNFI x Seasia event, participants had the opportunity to explore the culture, language, and unique facts about the world's largest country—Russia.
The event took place at the Russian House, formerly known as the Russian Center for Science and Culture. This venue has a long history as a hub for various Russian cultural activities in Indonesia, including lectures, public discussions, film festivals, art exhibitions, and roundtable meetings. All of these aim to introduce Russian history and culture to the Indonesian public.
Additionally, the Russian House serves as a place for learning the Russian language, which has been gaining popularity each year. With such enthusiasm, it’s no wonder this venue has become a gathering point for anyone looking to get closer to Russia and its rich heritage.
A Warm Welcome: Russian Ambassador's Special Visit
There was something special about this visit! The Russian Ambassador to Indonesia not only delivered a formal address but also shared deep insights during an interactive session about Russia. His presence added warmth to the atmosphere, making the event even more memorable.
In his remarks, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Sergei Gennadievich Tolchenov, highlighted the close friendship between Indonesia and Russia, which has been fostered through various important sectors.
“Russia and Indonesia are friendly nations. Many significant sectors have been explored for cooperation between these two countries, such as defense. For example, the Komodo Exercise, a joint training between the national security forces, has been conducted,” said Ambassador Sergei.
Ambassador Sergei also expressed his appreciation for Indonesia’s official membership in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) as of January 6, 2025. According to him, Indonesia plays an essential role in this bloc, which not only focuses on political power but also on education, economics, and sports.
In addition to discussing bilateral cooperation, Ambassador Sergei shared his impressions of the Indonesian people. “After spending five years in Indonesia, I returned to Moscow with many beautiful memories of my time with Indonesians,” he said. He praised the friendliness of the Indonesian people, known for their love of singing and dancing, which made him feel connected and welcomed throughout his tenure in Indonesia.
The Unseen Side of Russian Culture
Another fascinating aspect of this event is the valuable opportunity it provides participants to delve deeper into their knowledge of Russia by presenting various unique facts that are not widely known to the public.
When people think of Russia, vodka might be the first thing that comes to mind, right? But did you know that in this country with long, harsh winters, warm tea with lemon and honey is actually much more popular? This drink is a favorite for combating the biting cold.
Russian social culture is also intriguing. They have a tradition of visiting friends or relatives at home without needing an invitation. If you're the host, it’s customary to offer drinks or snacks to your guests. Sounds pretty similar to our traditions in Indonesia, doesn’t it?
Here’s another interesting fact: Islam is the second-largest religion in Russia after Orthodox Christianity. This might come as a surprise, considering Russia is often associated with Eastern European culture, which is predominantly Christian.
And here’s a truly impressive fact: Russia has 11 time zones! As the largest country in the world by land area, it’s no wonder its time zones far exceed those of Indonesia. So, don’t be surprised if one part of Russia is enjoying the morning while another part is getting ready for bed.
In addition to exploring these unique facts, participants of the GNFI x Seasia Embassy Visit also had the exciting experience of trying on traditional Russian clothing and learning the Russian language. Immersing oneself in this country's culture is not only an eye-opening experience but also an enjoyable one!
Study in Russia: Your Path to Russian Education
The GNFI x Seasia Embassy Visit to the Russian Embassy not only offered a glimpse into Russian culture but also provided insights into exciting educational opportunities in the Land of the Bear.
Each year, the Russian Federal Government opens its doors to Indonesian students to pursue their education through scholarship programs. These programs cover undergraduate, master's, doctoral, and specialist degrees, along with a one-year Russian language preparation course provided free of charge.
Scholarship applications are typically open between October and December. By visiting the website education-in-russia.com, you can explore a wide range of available majors and universities.
However, one important note: once you’ve made your choices, changes are not allowed. So, be absolutely certain before hitting that submit button!
Don’t Miss Other Exciting Opportunities!
Stay tuned for upcoming Embassy Visit programs—who knows, you might be part of the next exciting journey. See you at the next GNFI x Seasia Embassy Visit!
