By: Nia S. Amira l Distinguished author, journalist and linguist from Indonesia. She writes on cultural, international affairs, multicultarism and religious studies

Jakarta, a bright Sunday morning (8/12) Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Indonesia, His Excellency Jalal Mirzayev held his first social visit to the Putra Setia Orphanage in Kramat Sentiong, Central Jakarta bringing all his staff. Ambassador Jalal, who just received Credentials from President Jokowi on November 20, 2019, was welcomed with great joy by the Chairwoman of the Foundation, Ms. Sumiyati (72).

The event was held in the context of commemorating the 16th year of the death, Father of the Modern Azerbaijan Nation who was also the Father of Azerbaijan's National Development, Heydar Aliyev.

Accompanying the ambassador were Emil Ahmadov, Secretary II, Intigam Huseynov, Secretary III, and local staff of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Indonesia. The group of ten people were welcomed with full of joy by 42 orphans aged five to 20 years, as well as 35 elderly people who were eager to gather with the ambassador in the hall of the orphanage.

Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Jalal Mirzayev with the orphans

"We all commemorate the day of the death of Mr. Heydar Aliyev, who continues to inspire us until now, hopefully the next generation of Azerbaijan people can continue to follow in his footsteps in developing the country," said Mirzayev when delivering his remarks. Heydar Aliyev died on December 12, 2003. In his remarks in front of the orphans and elderly, ambassador Mirzayev stated that this was the first social activity carried out in an orphanage to commemorate the services of the founding father of the Republic of Azerbaijan which has transformed Azerbaijan into a more advanced and modern state. Heydar Aliyev was the President of Azerbaijan from 1993 to 2003.

Furthermore, ambassador Mirzayev, who seemed very fond of children, stated that "Mr. Heydar Aliyev was not only the leader of the nation, but also a good friend of children and elderly people. In Azerbaijan there are also social institutions that take care of orphan, elderly and the poor under the auspices of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation."

The Republic of Azerbaijan is a country in the Caucasus, located at the crossroads of Europe and Southwest Asia, bordering Russia to the north, Georgia and Armenia to the west, and Iran to the south. Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic (an Azerbaijani exclave) borders Armenia to the north, Iran to the south, and Turkey to the west. Azerbaijan is a secular state and has been a member of the European Council since 2001.

Ambassador Mirzayev has committed to channeling the help needed by the orphanage. "I, as the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Indonesia and with my staff, will often visit this orphanage. I will return to visit here with my family next year,"he added.

Putra Setia Orphanage is one of the Social Institutions under the auspices of the Rukun Istri TP (Student Army) Foundation which was established in 1931. Maria Ulfah Subadio Sastrosatomo, is one of the prominent Indonesian women who co-founded the Foundation. The building was once the Dutch Hospital.

"Alhamdulillah, we are very grateful for the kindness given by Ambassador Mirzayev along with the delegation of the Embassy of Azerbaijan who came to our place today and met with the children to share happiness," said Sumiyati, who has served at the orphanage for 12 years.

Azerbaijan Ambassador to Indonesia, His Excellency Jalal Mirzayev with children of the Putra Setia Orphanage

Sumiyati spends her time doing exercises with the orphans every Saturday and Sunday morning. All the rooms are looking tidy and ambassador Mirzayev was happy to see the harmony of the orphan’s home decorated by green plants and very good air circulation which is very important for living. The 42 orphans are obliged to have good education from Kindergarten school to Academy, and when I saw big bottle with the names stick on each bottle, I was very curious of the contain of the bottle. Wati who is one of the administrators informed me that those are bottles contain honey of each child. The orphanage save the money of each child given by the visitors and buy honey to give the children a natural vitamin. I saw some orphans in frame showing their graduation moments, this can be the motivation of the young orphans in the future. The orphans came from various regions including Lampung in Southern Sumatra and Karawang in West Java. The Foundation also manages a kindergarten school using the same name.

The orphans were very pleased with the presence of the Ambassador of Azerbaijan and the staff. Titin Rahmawati (18), an orphan from Cianjur, West Java was happy to meet ambassador Mirzayev. "I am proud because this is the first time that our foundation was visited by an ambassador," said Titin Rahmawati, who is quite fluent in English.

Everyone looked happy and at the last moment of the event, the orphans and elderly prayed together before lunch. There were six children aged between five to 10 who were having pink color on their faces when ambassador Mirzayev and the other two diplomats took their tiny hands to the banquet, until one of the diplomats, Intigam Huseynov, was holding Ani, the tiny child (5) to choose the food she liked.

The program ended with a group photo session and giving out goodie bags for the 42 orphans who were showing their cheerful on their faces. One elderly man, Edi (79) who wore Sarong and walked slowly, was happy to be present that afternoon despite being experienced from a hernia. Innocently saying that he was very lucky to be able to shake hands with an ambassador, and that was the first time for him in his life to meet a high profile man.

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