This year, we are looking back at 60 years of Goethe-Institut in Indonesia – six decades of building bridges, of language learning and teaching, informational and cultural programs, initiating and fostering intercultural encounters, collaboration and co-creation between people from all walks of life. We have been privileged to interact with individuals and institutions in sharing ideas, developing projects, exchanging views and interacting with audiences in all fields of our activities. Looking back, we share an enormous inventory of bi-lateral experiences that has allowed us to build trust and is constantly generating new ideas in an ever-changing environment.
We are looking forward to a shared future and take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of you for your interest, your empathy and friendship.
It all began when 60 years ago the Goethe-Institut opened its doors at Jl. Matraman Raya 23, Jakarta. A few years later, it was followed by the opening of the (now former) Goethe-Institut in Surabaya in 1963 (today known as Wisma Jerman) and the Goethe-Institut Bandung in 1969. Both, as well as the institute in Jakarta, which moved to its present premises in 2001, have proudly become part of the cultural infrastructure in their host cities. In addition, we are proud to be part of a wide network of schools teaching German in all parts of the archipelago together with dedicated teachers and keen young learners.
For six decades the Goethe-Institut in Indonesia has been actively disseminating and bridging information on German culture and language for a broad audience of Indonesians in all age groups and across the country. Many Indonesians have since experienced their first contacts with German culture in the Goethe-Institut, have been guests to film screenings, concerts, exhibitions, performances and workshops in which Indonesian and German artists create, exchange, and perform together. They have visited our libraries that provide broad and modern collections of German books and other media to the public. And of course many have participated in language courses, be it in our institute or in schools around the country, learning the German language with a view to study or take up professional opportunities in Germany.
We thank all our guests, partners, friends and collaborators, we are happy to invite you to celebrate with us and, of course, to develop plans and ideas for a shared future!
Dr. Stefan Dreyer
Director Goethe-Institut Indonesien
Regional Director Southeast Asia/Australia/New Zealand