The Bandung Conference: A Turning Point

Bandung played host to the inaugural Asian-African Conference in 1955,a gathering of presidents,prime ministers,and leaders representing 29 nations and regions. United by a common aspiration, they sought “emancipation from colonialism and imperialism,” a sentiment that resonated deeply in the post-world War II era. For Popong, then a high school student, it was an experience that would shape her understanding of international relations and Indonesia’s place in the world.

Indonesia’s Change: A Personal Viewpoint

Reflecting on the seven decades since the conference, Popong observes that Indonesia has “progressed considerably…through advancements in education, the economy, and transportation.” She specifically cites the Jakarta-bandung high-speed railway, a collaborative project with China, which dramatically cut travel time between the two cities “from four hours to just 30 minutes.” This infrastructure project is one example of the kind of global cooperation that the Bandung Conference championed.

“Similarly, Bandung, now globally recognized, attracts countless international tourists,” Popong told Archyde.com recently at her home in Bandung. The city’s growth reflects Indonesia’s increasing prominence on the world stage.

A Taste of Tradition: Serving Leaders of the World

Popong’s role in the 1955 conference was more then just ceremonial. she, along with nine other teenagers, donned traditional kebaya attire and were tasked with introducing state leaders to Sundanese cuisine, “one of the most popular foods in indonesia.” Their menu included rangginang, colenak, opak, and beverages like bandrek and bajigur. “We acted as hostesses at the hotel, greeting the guests,” Popong recounted.

she fondly recalls an interaction with Gamal Abdel Nasser, then the Prime Minister of Egypt, who inquired about bajigur. “At barely 150 cm tall, I had to crane my neck for minutes to speak to him,” she saeid with a smile, explaining the drink’s recipe of coconut milk, ginger, and palm sugar.” This anecdote underscores the personal connections forged at the conference, bridging cultural divides and fostering understanding.

The Enduring Impact: A Call for Continued Cooperation

Popong believes that the spirit of Bandung remains relevant today. “Colonialism has faded, and now Asian and African countries are rebuilding themselves economically and politically.” She stresses that “global development hinges on human connections, particularly cross-border ties,” adding that “international cooperation must continue, free from discrimination.”

While some critics argue that the Non-Aligned Movement lost its relevance after the Cold War,proponents point to its continued importance in advocating for developing nations and promoting multilateralism in a world increasingly dominated by major powers.

A Life of Service: From Hostess to Representative

Now 87, Popong dedicated 25 years to Indonesia’s House of Representatives, specializing in education and culture, before retiring in 2019. She encourages young people to embrace the spirit of the asian-african Conference to drive progress. “In this globalized world, we must learn from others, their spirit, work ethic, and discipline,” she said, adding, “There’s a saying: ‘Seek knowledge even if it takes you to China.'”

her emphasis on education echoes a growing trend in U.S. foreign policy, with increased focus on educational exchange programs and initiatives aimed at promoting global competency among American students. as of 2023, the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs supported over 400 exchange programs worldwide, involving more than 300,000 participants annually.