Khalid Tawalbeh
Doha
Those who travel to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will have the full opportunity to get acquainted with a model of an Islamic country with all its culture, values and customs, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia HE Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has said.
In an exclusive interview with the Qatar Tribune, the Indonesian minister stressed that Qatar was able to achieve what no one expected when it won the honour of hosting the tournament in 2010, pointing out that it is considered a historic tournament thanks to hard work and concerted efforts for 12 years.
"The great achievements made by the State of Qatar and its great preparations for organising the tournament should be an example to guide the countries of the world in preparing and making ready to host the next editions of the football World Cup, and we in Indonesia are already doing this”, he said He praised the preparations that Qatar has made for FIFA World Cup, which is being held in an Islamic country for the first time, he wished all success to the tournament and Qatar.
He expressed his admiration for the design of the stadiums hosting the events of the 2022 World Cup, and the urban renaissance witnessed by the state of Qatar in various fields, wishing good luck to all the teams still in the running.
He said that this edition is the first he has seen in reality, but stressed that he has seen an ideal edition of the World Cup, and that it is an opportunity for everyone to highlight their national cultures and identities, as well as get to know the beautiful Qatari culture and hospitality up close.
Based on the verse from the Holy Quran: "We have sent you, not but as a mercy for the 'Alamin (mankind)", the minister saw the World Cup as an opportunity to bring the world together in one place and establish wonderful international relations.
He pointed out that the atmosphere here is more than wonderful, "I have followed the progress made by Qatar throughout the years, since winning the right to host the World Cup, and it is amazing to see the fruits of all these efforts being realised, and watching fans from everywhere gather here to celebrate together the days of the tournament." "It's great to be in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup. Thanks for the hospitality and perfect organisation, I am always glad to be here, all the best for Qatar for the rest of the tournament," he added.
He underscored the benefit of Qatar's organisation of the World Cup in promoting tourism in Indonesia, saying: "This wonderful edition can be positive for us, especially when we organise the U20 FIFA World Cup 2023 in Indonesia next year.
"This is something that I believe is amazing and an opportunity for all countries to promote themselves well and positively,” the minister said, adding "the World Cup is an opportunity to develop mutual investments with Qatar in all respects in terms of tourism, technology and a lot else." Lauding Qatar’s remarkable achievements in different areas from laying out the infrastructure and logistics to deploying the latest technology for the success of the mega-event, he said: "We can learn from Qatar's use of modern technology at the World Cup, which was a success point, and it can benefit us well during the U20 World Cup in Indonesia next year," he said.
Expressing admiration for the efforts of the host country over the past years, reflected in the exceptionally smooth running of the championship, he said: "I watched closely all the details of the tournament, and also went to the Corniche and Souq Waqif, ideal destinations for the audience outside the tournament stadiums." "Everyone is happy with the activities organised by Indonesia the World Cup. We have a wonderful and active community. I went to Souq Waqif and the Corniche and walked in many areas. The World Cup is pervading the entire atmosphere of Qatar in a wonderful way", he said.
On the specificity of this edition, he said, “I am very sure that each edition of the World Cup is different from others and has its own specificity, but this edition is inspiring, wonderful, and distinctive in my opinion, and it is the most successful ever." He stressed that “relations between peoples, governments and business owners of Qatar and Indonesia are special, and we are working to develop the tourism sector well." "Qatar offered Islam as mercy to the world in the true sense. Negative opinions expressed from anywhere do not discourage it from continuing the real work. We respect all opinions and work for the better, I think that human differences are mercy from Allah, not a curse and cannot be blamed on anyone. Difference of opinion does not spoil the friendliness of the cause, and all opinions of everyone should be respected," he said.
The minister pointed out that Qatar has enhanced its capabilities in many areas, most notably in the tourism sector, where it has taken bold steps in expanding festivals, exhibitions, conferences and everything else that would develop this sector while also preserving identity, customs and traditions.
These days, the state of Qatar celebrates the cultures of peoples from all over the world, as Katara collaborated with 22 embassies to hold distinctive exhibitions to enhance opportunities for dialogue between cultures and peoples. This approach enhances the prospects for continuous and long lasting cultural cooperation both during the World Cup period and after.
Though the Indonesian national football team is not in the World Cup Qatar, Indonesia has left an imprint on it through the official football industry of the tournament known as the "Al-Rihla".
Earlier on, HE Ridwan Hassan, Ambassador of Indonesia to Qatar, said: "This is a great opportunity for the public to learn about Indonesia's heritage through our exhibition in Katara".
The “Batik Heritage” exhibition being hosted in cooperation with the Embassy of Indonesia, has diverse artwork and textiles, including one that deals with FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar by collecting Qatari cultural identity and football symbols.
Another work titled ‘Mountain of Shadow Puppets’ symbolises human life and its various stages, and life in an Indonesian village, while yet others highlight different ideas.
Dr. Khaled Al Sulaiti, Katara General Manager, had said: “We are pleased to open these important and beautiful exhibitions as part of Katara’s festive programme related to our country’s hosting of the World Cup.” “We have cooperated with more than 22 embassies accredited to the country besides a number of friendly countries to enhance opportunities for dialogue between cultures and peoples,” he said.
He added “These distinguished exhibitions are evidence of the high level of cultural partnership between Katara and these embassies, which enhances the horizons of continuous cultural co-operation, whether during or after the World Cup.”