TIMES JAZIRAH, JAKARTA – Perhimpunan Pelajar Indonesia in Hungary also known as PPI Hungaria actively participated in a meaningful national dialogue alongside Vice President Ma'ruf Amin in Slovakia. The event, held after his visit from Greece, aimed to engage with the Indonesian community in Bratislava and neighboring countries, including Budapest and Vienna, Austria.

During the dialogue, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin emphasized the significant role of Indonesian students abroad, Indonesian migrant workers, and the Indonesian community residing in European countries. He highlighted the importance of promoting Indonesian culture in the European region, showcasing the polite, courteous, and friendly nature for which Indonesians are known.

Addressing the upcoming General Election, the Vice President urged both the central government and the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) to maintain neutrality. He encouraged the Indonesian community in Europe to actively participate in the upcoming 5-yearly democratic event by casting their votes at designated Polling Stations set by the Overseas Election Committee (PPLN).

The national dialogue, guided by the Indonesian Ambassador to Slovakia, Pribadi Sutiono, not only included the Indonesian community in Bratislava but also the Indonesian Students Association of Hungary (PPI Hungaria). Marhadi, the Coordinator of PPI Hungaria, was asked to provide responses and ideas related to nationalism during the event.

In his response, Marhadi, also a Ph.D. student at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), expressed several thoughts and questions. He sought support from the central government, conveyed through Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, for the implementation of PPI World's annual agenda—the International Symposium scheduled for early September 2024.

"This symposium is expected to be attended by representatives from all PPI World member countries, totaling 65 PPIs worldwide," he said on statement (27/11/2023). Additionally, Marhadi inquired about Indonesia's strategic steps to actively engage in the halal food industry in Central and Eastern Europe.

He noted that while China, Thailand, and Vietnam dominate the halal food industry in Europe, Indonesia, with its Muslim-majority population and hundreds of unique Nusantara dishes, should have a fair chance to compete.

In response, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin stated the government's readiness to support all activities organized by PPI World, recognizing its potential and robust network.

He affirmed that the existence of PPI World contributes to Indonesia's Golden 2045 and expressed support for the International Symposium to be held in Budapest, Hungary. He hoped that the symposium would generate formulations and recommendations for Indonesia's future development.

The Vice President believes that intellectuals are embedded in every PPI member, emphasizing the role of PPI World and PPI countries collaborating to contribute to Indonesian society. Regarding the challenge of finding halal food in Europe, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, the Vice President assured that he would address this matter promptly, involving all relevant components of foreign trade.

In conclusion, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin thanked PPI Hungaria for presenting their ideas and expressed hope for active involvement from both PPI Hungary and PPI Dunia in promoting Indonesia on the world stage.