Jakarta, Kominfo Newsroom – The series of activities for the 2nd ASEAN Minister of Finance and Governors of the Central Bank (AFMGM) meeting in Jakarta also present the 2023 ASEAN Festival (ASEAN Fest 2023).

It is held at Hall B of the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) from 22 to 25 August 2023. The festival presents the ASEAN Village, where visitors are invited to tour ASEAN countries, as well as take part in various competitions.

When met on Thursday (24/8/2023), one of the officers on duty at the ASEAN Village, Vivi, said that the ASEAN Village was part of the ASEAN Fest 2023 featuring booths from ASEAN member countries.

"The booths also introduce the culture of each country, in addition to local tourist destinations. Also in the Indonesian booths. One of the Indonesian booths introduces Borobudur Temple," said Vivi at JCC, Thursday (24/8/2023) .
The uniquely designed ASEAN village presents booths from ten ASEAN countries with each country's icons, including their culinary variety.

As monitored by the Kominfo Newsroom Public Communications Team, the public showed enthusiasm when visiting all booths. They went around and packed every booth in the ASEAN Village area.

Just like in the real world, a passport is required for visitors to enter the ASEAN countries in the ASEAN Village.

Visitors may get their passports at the registration desk for them to carry and present at every immigration desk and get an entry stamp to enter each ASEAN country’s area.

Vivi added, after getting a stamp at the immigration, visitors are free to explore every corner  of the booths of ASEAN countries and they may ask for the exit stamp of the country concerned as proof of visit.

"After exploring around, visitors must again pass through the immigration desk to get an exit stamp similar to what we do when actually traveling abroad. After getting an exit stamp from immigration, we can exchange our passports for a cup of coffee at the booth provided," explained Vivi.
Meanwhile, Yusuf Sinaga, a visitor from Bekasi, West Java, appreciated the presence of "ASEAN Village", which according to him was able to provide additional knowledge of the cultural and culinary richness of ASEAN countries.

 Yusuf, who brought his family along to the fair, also admitted that he had learned how important Indonesia's role is in the ASEAN region and even in the world.

“Simply put, as chairman, Indonesia must be able to accommodate various interests of member countries in a joint decision that benefits the region. This is a trust. In addition, the presence of "ASEAN Village", in my opinion, is something new. We are like being invited to tour ASEAN countries in one day,” he said.

The ASEAN Fest 2023, organized by Bank Indonesia (BI), is open for general public. It serves as an effort to introduce and let the people feel the spirit of ASEAN 2023. Apart from presenting the Asean Village as a vehicle for cultural education, this event also has a seminar. "ASEAN Village" wants to introduce more characteristics to culinary and various souvenirs typical of ASEAN countries. In addition, it presents an ASEAN meeting museum, as well as an MSME exhibition and a financial inclusion festival. (Isma/TR)
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People visiting one of the booths in "ASEAN Village", Thursday (24/8/2023). Foto: Infopublik