VIVAnews - Polish renowned statesman and democratic figure, Lech Walesa is visiting Indonesia from May 8 to 19, 2010. During the trip, Walesa will be having a dialogue with students from several universities on peace and democracy.
The announcement was made by Polish ambassador to Indonesia, Tomasz Lukaszuk. “Walesa’s visit to Indonesia is such an honor to us because we’ll be able to introduce him to the people of Indonesia as a figure who has become a Polish icon and hero,” Lukaszuk said at a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 21.
Being known as the leader of independent labor movement, “Solidarity” during the 1980s, Walesa has been relentlessly fighting for democracy in his country. The Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1983 has also played an important role in ending the socialist-authoritative regime in Poland and turning it into a democratic country while he was elected president for the period of 1990-1995.
Walesa also contributed to the halt of Soviet Union’s domination in East Europe in late 80s.
“Lech Walesa has been persistently promoting changes [in the country]. Although he’s no longer in the government, he’s still consistently promoting and supporting democratic development through his foundation,” Rudy Pesik, the President of PT Indonesia Kebanggaanku said.
He also said the unofficial trip would be Walesa’s first time in Indonesia. The former Polish president will be visiting Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Bali.
“Walesa also plans to hold public lectures at some of the universities like Atmajaya, Paramadina, Gajah Mada and Udayana,” Pesik said.
Meetings with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Jakarta and Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X in Yogyakarta will also be arranged during Walesa’s time in Indonesia.
“[For his lectures], Walesa will be bringing up the topic of solidarity movements to bring people together to create changes,” Y.W. Junardy from Indonesia Kebanggaanku said.
As a form of appreciation towards Walesa’s visit, there will be a gala dinner that will be attended by various members of the society, which include social figures, entrepreneurs and academics.
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Translated by: Nataya Ermanti
