VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - A total of 24 items were sold to dozens of invitees at an auction and dinner organized by the Embassy of Ukraine in Jakarta. The event, titled "Let Them Smile", raised Rp161.4 million. Among the items auctioned were items related to the relationship between Indonesia and Ukraine.

The auction partnered with the Olena Zelenska Foundation, a foundation founded by the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska.

The Ambassador of Ukraine to Indonesia, Vasyl Hamianin, mentioned at the end of the auction that this was not just a fun event. This event, for him, was about raising funds for children and families in Ukraine affected by the conflict in the country.

"The spirit of today's event is not easy to describe, but the most important thing (about this event) is that we are working to save children's lives, to make them happy and safe. No matter what happens, children are always the most vulnerable part of our society," he said at The Westin Hotel Jakarta, Friday (15/09/2023).

Even so, Vasyl welcomed and was grateful for the enthusiasm of the auction participants. According to him, this activity reflects the support of the Indonesian people for children in Ukraine.

"True, I am very grateful for this community (participants). Today's event is about how the Indonesian people feel about Ukraine, how they feel about the children who are suffering," he said. at The Westin Hotel Jakarta, Friday (09/15/2023).

One of the objects being auctioned is a painting of a ceramic plate by the former Governor of West Java, Ridwan Kamil. The painting, which is Ambassador Vasyl's personal collection, was sold for Rp10 million.

In addition, a stamp from the Ukrainian postal company Ukrposhta with the image of General Sudirman was sold for Rp6.5 million. The stamp was only printed in 100 pieces, and, according to Vasyl, there are only five pieces in Indonesia.

Also auctioned at the event were cigar boxes made in Indonesia and two paintings by Vasyl's daughter Varvara Hamianin. A bulava stick typical of ancient Ukrainian leaders and a ceramic egg by Tatar artist Rustem Skibin were also sold. (VOI/Rama)