IN an emotional farewell dinner at the Southern Cross Hotel this week, the outgoing Second Secretary and Head of Information, Social and Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy, MOilong Sarwom, bid vinaka vakalevu to the Pacific nation she has called home for nearly four years.
Addressing a gathering that included the Indonesian Ambassador Dupito Simamora and his wife, embassy staff, fellow Indonesian nationals, and Fijian counterparts and friends, Ms Sarwom delivered a poignant speech reflecting on a transformative posting that reshaped her career and personal identity.
“Ni sa bula vinaka,” she began, before candidly sharing that Fiji was not her initial diplomatic dream.
“Like many young diplomats, I carried dreams that were perhaps a little idealistic, imagining postings in cities like New York or Paris but I never imagined that my path would lead me to Fiji.”
Hailing from Indonesia’s Papua province, Ms Sarwom confessed to initial trepidation, having never travelled so far east.
“Coming to Fiji felt like stepping into the unknown,” she said.
Yet, this journey became an unexpected voyage of cultural rediscovery.
“Looking back now, I believe it was a way for me to reconnect with my Melanesian roots,” she stated, noting the profound pride it brought her family.
Ms Sarwom spoke of the personal and professional lessons learned, crediting Fiji with teaching her to “slow down, breathe, and live with ‘sega na leqa’” – the Fijian phrase for “no worries”.
She fondly recalled the islands’ natural beauty, cuisine, and the “warm bula smiles” she will miss dearly.
“Fiji has become my second home,” she affirmed.
Her tenure was marked by significant professional development.
“When I first arrived, I was still finding my way. Now, I leave with confidence, proud of how far I have come, slowly but surely becoming a stronger diplomat and a braver woman,” Ms Sarwom reflected.
She extended heartfelt gratitude to her embassy colleagues, including Ambassador Simamora, for their trust and mentorship.
She paid special tribute to the late Ibu Diana and Pak Pitter, who served as parental figures, grounding her in faith during moments of homesickness.
A significant portion of her thanks was reserved for the local staff and community, whom she credited for making Fiji feel like home.
“You have seen every side of me and yet you accepted me, supported me, and stood by me throughout my journey here,” she said emotionally.
She also highlighted the cultural bridge fostered through groups like ISFA and Dolce, whose harmonies, she said, would echo with her back to Indonesia.
To her diplomatic counterparts, she expressed appreciation for lessons in empathy and trust, noting that “diplomacy is not only about programmes or policies, but about genuine human connection.”
Ms Sarwom did not shy away from the raw emotion of departure, revealing the human behind the diplomat’s composure.
“Watching my home slowly empty, packing years of memories into boxes. This last month was tough for me,” she shared, acknowledging moments of feeling overwhelmed.
Yet, she concluded on a note of hopeful anticipation for her return to Indonesia and reunion with family after a long absence.
“Life continued while I was away. I look forward to embracing all that awaits me,” she said.
As a final, resonant goodbye, she chose the Fijian phrase, “Sa moce mada, ia eda na sota tale” – goodbye for now, but we will meet again.
The diplomat’s departure marks the end of a chapter celebrated not just for diplomatic service, but for a deeply personal journey of cultural connection and growth, leaving a lasting impression on both herself and the Fijian community she now calls family.
Ms Sarwom receives a token of appreciation from Indonesian Ambassador to Fiji, Dupito Simamora. The artwork is a piece by local artist, Atueta Rabuka.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Ms Sarwom with Fijian staff members of the Indonesian Embassy. Picture: SUPPLIED
Fijian staff members of the Indonesian Embassy present a traditional i sevusevu during Ms Sarwom’s farewell dinner. Picture: SUPPLIED
