MAN 4 South Jakarta (21/11/2023) – Embarking on a diplomatic encounter, the Embassy of Canada graciously welcomed the visitors from MAN 4 Jakarta on 2 November 2023. The aim was to foster an exchange of ideas and deepen understanding of Canadian culture, history, geography, its people, scholarship programs, and the bilateral relationship with Indonesia.
Steering the meeting as the Master of Ceremonies (MC), Mr. Fajar, the Program Officer at the Embassy of Canada, orchestrated the session. Following this, envision a comprehensive presentation by Mr. Stuart Shaw, the Acting Counsellor for Media, Public Diplomacy, offering profound insights into Canada’s diverse elements—its culture, landscape, people, and international relations.
Transitioning seamlessly, he later introduces an engaging activity. Picture a lively game involving the entire audience, contributing to a dynamic and interactive exchange between the Canadian embassy representatives and the eager guests from MAN 4 Jakarta.
Starting off, Mr. Stuart first presented a brief view of the government in Canada, a vast and diverse country known for its stunning landscapes and cultural richness. Canada is a constitutional monarchy and a federal parliamentary democracy, with the British monarch as the ceremonial head of state. The monarch’s role is largely symbolic, and the Governor General serves as the official representative.
Canada, much like Indonesia, takes great pride in its commitment to multiculturalism. The Canadian government officially adopted a policy of multiculturalism in 1971, becoming the first country in the world to do so. This policy recognizes and celebrates the cultural diversity of its population, acknowledging that people from various ethnic, religious, and linguistic backgrounds contribute to the nation’s social fabric.
Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, Canada is home to expansive forests, mountains, and lakes. The country boasts a rich biodiversity, housing diverse wildlife such as moose, beavers, and the iconic Canadian goose. Additionally, Canada is renowned for its commitment to environmental conservation.
Education is a cornerstone of Canada’s identity, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence. The country hosts renowned universities, and programs like the International Experience Canada initiative attract young people from around the world to live, work, and travel in Canada.
Lastly, Mr. Stuart explained about what an embassy does. An embassy is a diplomatic mission that represents a country’s government in another country. Its primary functions encompass diplomatic representation, promoting bilateral relations through political, economic, and cultural cooperation, providing consular services to citizens in the host country, facilitating cultural and educational exchanges, fostering trade and economic relations, reporting on political developments, participating in protocol and ceremonial functions, and contributing to conflict resolution and crisis management. Embassies act as key intermediaries, ensuring effective communication and collaboration between countries, while also safeguarding the interests and well-being of their citizens abroad.
