VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Embassies of French-speaking or francophone countries in Indonesia opened the 2024 Francophone Week activities on Monday, March 18 at the Institut français Indonésie (IFI) Jakarta. The Moroccan Ambassador, the Canadian Ambassador's Charge de'affair, the Swiss Ambassador, and the French Ambassador to Indonesia were present at the opening of the annual event. The opening of Frankoponi Week 2024 was also enlivened by the performance of the UI Chorale CLE-C choir group and the Rangkai music group.

In his remarks, the Moroccan Ambassador to Indonesia, Ouadia Benabdellah, who this year was appointed President of the Group of Ambassadors of Francophone Countries in Indonesia, said that the Francophone has become a symbol of tolerance and bonds of solidarity between nations. “Francophonie is more than just a shared language. This embodies the values of solidarity, dialogue, and cooperation between people, whatever their origins and backgrounds. It is a symbol of tolerance, dialogue, and mutual respect, representing a bridge between continents, an unshakable bond that transcends borders and differences” Ouadia Benabdellah said upon his address.

The Francophonie Week in Indonesia took place from 18-23 March 2024 in eight cities, namely Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Bali, Makassar, Medan and Semarang. The week's series of activities includes music performances, film screenings, Marionette performances, painting exhibitions, seminars/workshops, bazaars, and various French language competitions.

Internationally, Francophonie Day or World French Speakers Day is observed every March 20 as a celebration of the use of French in 54 countries and various organizations including the UN which unites around 321 million speakers and is part of the International Francophonie Organization. (Daniel)