Bandar Seri Begawan - In an effort to strengthen ties with local youth associations, as well as to learn Brunei`s life and culture, 18 Indonesian youths representing Indonesian Batavia Youth Forum on Monday made a study trip to the Sultanate.
Led by Rachmat Hassan, the delegation leaves Brunei today.
Over the past two days, the group visited the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Brunei Youth Council (MBB) and Indonesian Embassy in Kg Sungai Hanching.
They also visited Brunei`s places of interest such as the Royal Regalia, museums,
Youth Development Centre and Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
The MBB also hosted the visitors to dinner on Tuesday evening.
Yesterday, they paid a visit to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports at Jalan Kebangsaan where they heard a briefing on the country and its people, presented by Abd Malik bin Muhammad, an officer from the Youth and Sports Department. Meanwhile, Rachmat Hassan said they were very impressed with the country`s welfare aspects, especially free education, medical, food subsidies and pension for senior citizens. He also said that they were impressed with the overall outlook of the country.
"It is clean and peaceful. It is definitely a wonderful place to stay where poverty is almost zero," he said.
He said the group has also made numerous visits to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. "Our next stop will be Vietnam. The trip is part of our plan to learn the life and culture of our Asean neighbours," he said.
He also expressed his appreciation to MBB Deputy President, Pg Hj Suhaimi Pg Wahid, for making their visit worthwhile, as well as the Indonesian Embassy in Brunei for facilitating their trip.
Source: www.brudirect.com (8 Februari 2008)
