REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANDUNG -- China is interested to develop a Zhou Enlai Garden in Bandung at the upcoming commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Asian-African Conference (AAC).
The Chinese government proposed to develop the garden in remembrance of the former Chinese prime minister, Bandung Mayor Ridwan Kamil said.
"The Chinese president wishes to set up a Zhou Enlai Garden as a symbol of friendship between Indonesia and China," the mayor stated after meeting with Vice President Jusuf Kalla at Gedung Sate here on Monday.
With regard to the proposal from China, Kamil, or Emil as he is often called, gave his assurance that he would coordinate with the foreign affairs minister. "I will consult with the foreign affairs minister if this project can be realized, taking various aspects into consideration.
At the meeting, Emil added, the vice president asked for more flowers to be planted around Bandung's Husein Sastranegara Airport, ahead of the commemorative event marking the 60th anniversary of the AAC.
"He has asked for more flowers (to be planted) around the airport to strengthen the city's status as "Kota Kembang," or the city of flowers," he explained.
In addition, Emil admitted that not much had changed at the airport in the last 50 years, and that to make the city more beautiful and memorable, more flowers should be planted so people do not remember only the old buildings. "We hope it will be like a wedding party," he remarked.
The commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Bandung AAC is scheduled to be held in Jakarta and Bandung from April 19 to 24.
Of the 18 states that have requested to hold bilateral meetings with the Indonesian president, the foreign affairs minister mentioned only 16---China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Palestine, Egypt, Japan, Seychelles, Vietnam, Iran, Nepal, Jordan, Swaziland, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Indonesia has invited 109 countries from the Asian and African regions to the AAC Summit and the 60th anniversary of the AAC to be held from April 19 to 24.
Based on the schedule of the AAC's 60th anniversary celebrations, which will be held in Jakarta and Bandung, West Java, a senior officials' meeting will be held on April 19 in the AAC's venue and a ministerial meeting and a summit will follow on April 20.
On April 21 and 22, the Asian-African Business Summit will be held. President Joko Widodo will host a state banquet in honor of the heads of states attending the event.
On April 24, the last day of the AAC, all heads of states participating in the events are expected to take part in a historical walk in Bandung.
The AAC was first organized in Bandung in April 1955, at the initiative of Indonesia, Myanmar (Burma), Ceylon (Sri Lanka), India, and Pakistan.
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