‘Delhi is a true picture of unity in diversity… a melting pot’

One place in the city that you like visiting often.

Delhi for me is like a second home. It’s not easy for me to pinpoint one, but I often visit Nehru Park or Lodhi Garden… very friendly and green.

What has stood out in Delhi during your stay?

In Indonesia, we have this principle of “Bhinekka Tunggal Ika”, which loosely translates in English to “unity in diversity”. I think Delhi is truly a picture of unity in diversity. When I arrived here in 2022, there were 152 diplomatic missions. Now, the number has gone up to 180. The city is a melting pot of diplomats, especially from many faraway countries. I was posted in New York before…there are 193 missions there. Secondly, when you talk about food, you can find cuisines from all Indian states. Unfortunately, Odisha Bhawan is now undergoing a renovation, but that is one of the places that I frequent because I love Odisha’s food. It almost has a Southeast Asian flavour.

Thirdly, even as Delhi is not my favourite Indian city, it has a character unlike many others. The past and the future come together. It’s so colouful. You can say that you can understand Delhi, but you cannot, because every corner of the city brings out a different side.

My favourite place is Chandigarh, and another city for me that I fell in love with right away is Visakhapatnam.

Memories or encounters in the city that you’ll never forget?

One was the G20 Summit. The lockdown during the G20 Summit for three days…it was all so beautiful, my God! It was very romantic. I cannot explain in words.

Second, when Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto came here as the Chief Guest of the Republic Day parade this year. In October, when the decision came to invite my president, I was doubtful that we could do it. India made it happen because you’re so unbelievably good at extending your friendship.

Favourite food in the city?

The South Indian food in Malcha Marg, and I also love fried fish. And also, Dhaba in Claridges, because I love the butter chicken, and also the garlic naan. But the dal, I think, Bukhara is the best…by far. The dal is unbelievable. I just buy the dal and eat it with naan or roti. That’s it. I can eat that forever.

If you have to introduce Delhi back home, what will you tell them?

First, unity in diversity. Second, the warmth of the people. Third, even Delhiites can’t fully know the city… because if you go to Old Delhi, every nook and corner is different…Every time I go there, I go okay, how come this is here? I did not see it before.

The Indian Express also spoke with Ni Made Mahatma Devi, the Third Secretary (Economic) at the Indonesian Embassy, who has worked for two years (2021 to 2023) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indonesia.

Erny Wahyuni, second secretary (Social and Cultural Affairs), also shared what Delhi means to her. From 2018 to 2021, Erny served in the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Bucharest, Romania.

Is there anything that you or your family would miss once you say goodbye to this city?

Erny Wahyuni, Second Secretary: The food. I think it’s one of the best foods in the entire world. And it’s not easy to find even in Indonesia except in Jakarta and Bali, which are tourist places. And yeah, my favourite food is obviously butter chicken and garlic naan.

Ni Made Mahatma Devi, Third Secretary: I lived together with my husband for the first time outside Indonesia in Delhi. My baby was also born here. I will miss the warmth, hospitality and kindness of people. I will also miss my favourite snack, the Pani Puri. The sweet and sour flavour is amazing. I won’t find this in Indonesia. The mutton here is really good. It’s the best in the world. I will miss it. My parents are fans of India. So that’s why they were really happy when they heard about me getting my first posting here.

What is different in Delhi than in other major capitals or cities?

Erny: Obviously, the air quality and also the traffic. Yeah, I have to adapt to the situation and especially after Diwali when the AQI level is not only very poor, but unhealthy, I would say. And the traffic…if you drive in Delhi, then you can drive in any part of the world. So, it’s a kind of survival skill that I have to admit.

Is there anything that you would suggest the administrators of Delhi to work on to make this city a better place?

Erny: Well, my biggest concern is the traffic because I drive every day and I hope the government increases the awareness of the people about obeying the rules. Sometimes it’s not only a motorbike that’s coming in the wrong direction…I’ve also noticed trucks doing so!