'Nepal is the country I like to visit for leisure'

He is the resident ambassador for Bangladesh, another South Asian country. He is working on building bilateral relations with Nepal, going back and forth from Dhaka. Besides, he is also working through his unpaid consul in Nepal. Ambassador Subolo travels from Dhaka to Kathmandu twice a month. Ambassador Subolo visited Nepal last week with a team from Indonesia. Besides discussing the program on democracy in Kathmandu, he reached Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, and returned to Bangladesh. Before returning to Dhaka, see Ambassador H. about Nepal and its environment and the relationship between the two countries. Edited part of a conversation with Subolo by Jagdishwar Pandey of Kantipur :

When did you come to Nepal for the first time and how did you find Nepal?

I came to Nepal for the first time in June 2022. At that time, I came to present the certificate of my position to the then President of Nepal, Bidya Devi Bhandari. That was my first official visit to Nepal. During that period, I was able to do an introductory program with the Indonesian community in Nepal. I came as the ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Bangladesh and Nepal. And, I had the opportunity to submit the certificate of rank halfway through the first year of my tenure. It was a very beautiful moment for me. Which keeps reminding me. When I flew to Nepal for the first time, I saw the Himalayan range and some mountainous areas from the airplane. I saw the beauty of Nepal's geography from the beginning. Nepal will also be one of my favorite places to visit in my spare time. Especially I liked its natural charm and its cultural aspects very much.

Meeting with Nepalis during work and tour, how did you find the Nepalis?

Nepali people are friendly, hospitable and very helpful. Nepali people are proud of their traditions and religious beliefs. Also, they behave tolerant to the world community.

How do you like Nepal's climate?

Being surrounded by the Himalayas, the weather in Nepal is very good. Every season I feel a different experience. The gentle breeze that comes with the season, the warmth and the cold makes me eager to visit different corners of Nepal and experience it.

Have you eaten Nepali food? What is your favorite Nepali food?

I have eaten 'Royal Thali' which is known as the royal food of Nepal. It consisted of 13 different dishes, served on very unique types of platters. Many Nepali dishes are vegetarian friendly, so the food gives us a healthy diet. And, of course, I will not miss eating momo after coming to Nepal. Apart from the traditional food, I have also tasted some of the dishes available in popular restaurants in Nepal. I found a dish made from trout fish. Trout fish is known as the cleanest fish, which I like very much. When I visit Nepal, I do not miss to taste dishes made from trout fish.

What do you think of the costumes and behavior of Nepal?

The customs of Nepal are incredibly diverse and rich. Which reflects the multicultural and multi-ethnic society of Nepal. From the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley to the Sherpas of the Himalayas, each group has its own customs and traditions. It has made Nepal a culturally rich and dynamic country. I saw some of the most interesting customs in Nepal. For example hello is a greeting. In my opinion greeting people by saying namaste, greeting with the word namaste by joining your two hands is not only a formality, but a custom that shows respect and reverence for others. These customs reflect the values ​​of respect, humility and hospitality. Which is highly valued in Nepali culture. I also liked the hospitality of Nepal. I think Nepali hospitality is legendary. And visitors to the country often comment on the warmth and generosity of the Nepali people. Traditional practices such as offering food, tea and shelter to guests exemplify the hospitality deeply rooted in Nepali culture.

How do you feel about Nepal's festivals? Which festival did you like?

At the beginning of March this year, I came here to attend the opening ceremony of Folk Festival Nepal-2024 at Nepal Pragya Foundation. 11 countries sent their best dance and art performers there. And, I am proud that Indonesia sent 20 artists for the event. At Folk Festival Nepal-2024, I had the opportunity to see the diverse culture of Nepal through traditional music, folk songs and dances.

Do you like to speak Nepali language?

I can't speak Nepali. But I do know a few things. Since many Indonesian words are derived from Sanskrit, some are similar to Nepali words. For example, in Nepali language and Indonesian language, the sun is called Surya. In both countries, land is considered as earth. In both countries, happiness and sadness have the same meaning. Topi means hat in both countries. In Indonesian language, Sampurna is called Purna, while in Nepali Sampurna means all or complete. Devi is called Devi in ​​both Indonesian and Nepali languages. Besides, Nepali words are similar to Bengali words. ``Thank you'' is called துக்க்கு in Nepali and Dhonobad in Bengali.

Have you heard Nepali song-music?

I haven't listened to many Nepali songs, but one song caught my attention. The title of that song is 'Yo Man Ta Mero Nepali Ho.' This is a famous Nepali band from 1974. An Indonesian band also sang the song at Hardrock Cafe in Kathmandu. The name of the Indonesian band is Sweet Nightmare. They play every music from Indonesia. One day I went to that cafe. At the end they sang the song Yo Maan Te Mero Nepali Ho. From that day I still remember that song.

How many places in Nepal have you visited? And, which is the most favorite place?

Since the bilateral relations between the two countries are flourishing, I have been visiting Nepal frequently. I have visited some interesting places in Kathmandu and Lumbini. I had the opportunity to visit many historical places in Kathmandu like Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Durbar Square. Apart from these tourist places I also visited Chandragiri. Which is a perfect place to see the Himalayan mountain range from Kathmandu. As I love physical activity, my favorite places are hiking or walking in the mountains and playing golf in Kathmandu.

What do you think about the art and culture of Nepal?

Nepal is a small country but very rich in art and culture. Nepal has always succeeded in connecting the tourist senses with its traditional art and culture. Lively dances and folk songs begin from ancient temples and historic sites. Nepal has many excellent painters, who create important mandala art and paintings. Sculptors/blacksmiths have created exquisite sculptures and famous 'singing balls' for meditation and healing.

How do you find the relationship between Nepal and Indonesia?

Indonesia-Nepal relations may not be widely discussed compared to other bilateral relations, but the two countries share a foundation of mutual respect, common values ​​and a desire to cooperate in various aspects for the mutual benefit of both nations. Indonesia-Nepal are geographically distant but culturally diverse. There are some similarities between the two countries. Both countries have places where different religious communities live. In Nepal, Hinduism and Buddhism are dominant, while Indonesia has a majority Muslim population with significant Hindu, Buddhist and Christian minorities. This diversity fosters a culture of tolerance and coexistence, where religious customs and traditions are equally celebrated. Therefore, the relationship between Indonesia can be strengthened in this aspect. For example, people-to-people exchanges can be done to promote a culture of tolerance and coexistence. Both Indonesia and Nepal are famous for their rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and tourist attractions. Efforts to promote tourism cooperation and promote cultural similarities can further strengthen the relationship between the two countries. It promotes mutual understanding and appreciation. Overall, Indonesia-Nepal has built a good relationship in 60 years of bilateral relations due to our commonalities and mutual commitment in many aspects.

What does Indonesia want from Nepal?

Indonesia can expect mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields from Nepal and the Nepalese people. For example, Indonesia wants to cooperate on diplomatic cooperation, trade and economic cooperation, cultural and educational exchange, tourism promotion, mutual cooperation on global issues, cultural and religious relations, promoting goodwill, friendship and understanding between the two countries. Building these expectations can contribute to deepening and expanding bilateral relations between Indonesia and Nepal in the long term.