Tropical Rain Forests Welcome State Heads and Delegations of ASEAN

President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo and his wife, Iriana Jokowi, welcomed the leaders of ASEAN member countries at the ASEAN Summit at Jakarta JCC building. There are also leaders from other countries who are partners or representatives of international organizations.

At this point, the uniqueness and mood can begin to be built

Both of them welcomed the arrival and greeted the representatives of the countries present and took a group photo in an area with tropical rainforest nuances backed by a large screen depicting the Nusantara Capital City (IKN).

Visual Creative Consultant for ASEAN Summit, Elwin Mok said the reception area is indeed one of the important points as the 'first experience' for invited guests in conducting activities in Indonesia.

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"At this point, the uniqueness and mood can begin to be built, which is expected to have a positive impact during the summit," he expressed, Wednesday (9/6).

According to him, the delegation's welcoming area presented Indonesia's nature in the form of tropical rainforests and waterfalls inside the JCC lobby, which is located in the heart of the metropolitan city of Jakarta.

"This approach reflects how Indonesia and ASEAN, according to the theme 'ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth', the center of world growth, keep being committed to preserving nature and balancing ecosystems for a better world future," he explained.

He went on to say that the close cooperation between ASEAN countries seemed to be a wellspring that would continuously nourish the world's growth.

"Combined with a big multimedia screen displaying the silhouette of the Presidential Palace at IKN, this welcoming area simulates a return to nature experience," he continued.

A woman who works as a flower arranger and decorator in the reception area for state guests, Dina Touwani said that the venue beautification carried out at the JCC actually started at the G20 Summit in Bali. At that time, she was tasked with beautifying the natural environment in the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) area which was used for state guest dinners.

"We want to present something beautiful, without changing much of the building structure. The idea is to bring the jungle indoors," she said.

With the IKN background, it reflected Indonesia's future which continues to prioritize natural sustainability and a green environment.

In decorating the room in the welcoming area, there were many challenges faced, including, looking for types of forest plants, looking for big trees that could form an indoor forest, adding water elements, and aquatic plants that could suit their habitat, and rooms that use air conditioning.

Hundreds of types of plants and trees were displayed in the miniature forest which covers an area of about 2,000 square meters, such as ferns, orchids, randu, palms, lontar, pule, mahogany trees, banyan trees, angsana, and ironwood.

"We look for plants and trees through research and look directly into the forests around West Java. Plants and trees are rented and purchased. We also empower farmers to supply crops," she explained.

She added it could not be separated from the contribution of flower farmers from Jakarta, Tangerang, Bogor, and Lembang.

"Our highest appreciation goes to all the flower and plant growers who have contributed to bringing this tropical rain forest. Their mutual cooperation is truly extraordinary," she exclaimed.

She and her team took a month to prepare the tropical rainforest. Meanwhile, arranging plants and various flowers took up to six days.

"We make this forest as natural as possible. In this forest we also feature Indonesian orchids," she added.

She has had a hobby of arranging plants since childhood. She has also worked as a flower arranger and decorator for 25 years. In her daily life, she and her team mostly work on wedding events.

"She has often been involved in state activities on a national and international scale since the days of President Soeharto, President Habibie, and also President Jokowi for this ASEAN Summit," she closed.