The Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea, Umar Hadi, was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of the Seoul City (Seoul Honorary Citizen). The inauguration ceremony was held at Seoul City Hall on Wednesday (2/6) and led by Mayor Oh Se-hoon. Umar Hadi is the first Indonesian Ambassador to receive the title.
This energetic ambassador was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Seoul City because he was considered to have contributed greatly to the promotion of Indonesia's relations with South Korea, especially with the Seoul Metropolitan City. Ambassador Umar Hadi is also considered to be an example for Seoul residents and other foreigners living in Seoul.
“I bestowed this honor to Ambassador Umar Hadi who has contributed to the Development of Seoul City as well as the lives of the residents of Seoul, setting an excellent example for both citizens and other foreign residents. If you return to Indonesia later, please visit Seoul as often as possible because you are currently an Honorary Citizen of Seoul City," said Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon while pinning the badge of honor.
In particular, Ambassador Umar is considered to have played a major role in increasing economic cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea, especially the investment of South Korean giant companies to Indonesia, deepening cultural exchanges between the two countries, and strengthening relations between the people of Indonesia and South Korea, especially with residents of Seoul City.
"I accept this award as an appreciation for the partnership that has been built with the Seoul Metropolitan City Government and I fully dedicate this award to all staff of the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul. Hopefully this will be a trigger for to improve their performance in order to advance relations between the two countries," said the former Indonesian Consul General in LA shortly after receiving the award.
Several world figures who have received the title of Honorary Citizen of Seoul City include Former United States (US) Ambassador to South Korea Christopher R. Hill (2005); South Korean-loving PRC actor Jacky Chan (1999); Indonesian President Joko Widodo (2016); Estonian President Kersti Kalijulaid (2018); Former Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Qiu Guohong (2019) and King of Spain King Felipe VI (2019).
Seoul Honorary Citizens are given the opportunity to participate in various events organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Municipal Government and the Administrative Government under it. In addition, recipients of the Seoul Honorary Citizen award are also given the privilege to access various facilities in Seoul City.
The process of awarding the title of Honorary Citizen of Seoul City is quite complicated, through a very strict committee selection. This year, the Indonesian Ambassador was the first to be awarded the title after it was proposed by the Mayor of Seoul and received approval from the Seoul City Council.
Ambassador Umar Hadi was appointed by President Joko Widodo as the Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea in 2017. He handed over his credentials to President Moon Jae-in on July 18, 2017.
Congratulations to Ambassador Umar Hadi. Hopefully this will be an inspiration for all Indonesian people who currently live in South Korea. (*KBRI Seoul)