VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea, Umar Hadi received an honorary citizen title of Seoul City at the inauguration ceremony held at Seoul City Hall on Wednesday (2/6). When pinning the honor badge, Mayor of Seoul, Oh Se–hoon explained that the award was given for the contribution of Ambassador Umar Hadi to the development of Seoul City. Besides, the award was given because Ambassador Umar Hadi had become a role model for citizens of both countries and other foreigners.

Ambassador Umar Hadi is the first Indonesian Ambassador who received the title. He is also considered to have played a major role in increasing economic cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea, especially in investing South Korean giant companies into Indonesia, deepening cultural exchanges between the two countries and  strengthening people-to-people contacts  between  Indonesia and South Korea, especially with residents of  Seoul City. Ambassador Umar Hadi in his remarks expressed his hope that the award can be a supporter for the ranks of the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul to improve their performance in increasing relations of both countries. 

Several world figures who have received the title of Honorary Citizen of  Seoul City are  the former United States Ambassador to South Korea, Christopher R. Hill in 2005; South Korean-loving Chinese actor Jacky Chan in 1999; Indonesian President Joko Widodo in 2016; Estonian President Kersti Kalijulaid in 2018; former Chinese Ambassador to South Korea, Qiu Guohong, in 2019; and King of Spain King Felipe VI (sixth)  in 2019.

The figures who received the honorary title will be given the opportunity to participate in many events organized by the Seoul Metropolitan City Government and the Administrative Government under its supervision. Moreover, the recipients of the award are also given the privilege to access various facilities in Seoul City. The process of awarding the title of Honorary Citizen of Seoul City is carried out through a very strict committee selection.  In 2021, the Indonesian Ambassador was the first one who received the title after being proposed by the Mayor of Seoul and obtaining approval by the Seoul City council.