American and Indonesian experts also discussed the curious story of American Bobby Freeberg.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - U.S. Ambassador Scot Marciel addressed 40 local government representatives from around Indonesia who soon will depart for the United States to participate in the "Transforming Leaders in Indonesia" program at Harvard University`s Ash Center.
The ambassador made the address on September 12 during the program was made possible through funding from the Rajawali Foundation, which was founded by Peter Sondakh, the US Embassy here said in its official website on Friday
Prior to their departure, the 40 participants attended a week-long training session at the Ministry of Home Affairs Training Center.
This is the second batch of local Indonesian leaders sent to Harvard University under the program, which was launched in 2010 and aims to promote research, education, and capacity building in support of democratic governance and institutional development.
At the September 12 event, the local government officials were enthusiastic about meeting the Ambassador and expressed interest in continued engagement with the U.S. government.
In the meantime, Ambassador Scot Marciel had also hosted 160 Indonesian military officers, Air Force cadets, historians, and the press, September 10 at @america to present and discuss on the U.S. role in the Battle of Morotai during World War II.
As part of the event, American and Indonesian experts also discussed the curious story of American Bobby Freeberg and his Indonesian co-pilot`s attempt to purchase Indonesia`s first military airplanes.
The audience enjoyed what was a unique history lesson and asked that these stories be included in Indonesian history books.
This event was the second in a two-part series that explored the personal relationships between Americans and Indonesians during World War II and the years leading up to Indonesia`s independence.
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Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
