Oxford Mayor Mark Lygo Falls In Love With Indonesia, Here's The Proof

Indonesian Ambassador to the UK Desra Believe together with Lord Mayor of Oxford (Oxford Mayor) Councilor Mark Lygo. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

LONDON - Lord Mayor of Oxford (Oxford Mayor) Councilor Mark Lygo expressed his love for Indonesia. He said this while attending the 'ISME UK Expo' exhibition at the Oxford Town Hall Building, Oxford, England, last Thursday 2 December.

Council, as he was known, was even amazed and enjoyed the song Tanah Airku, which at that time was accompanied by a saxophone by the Indonesian Ambassador to London, Desra Believe. He even had time to record through his smartphone.

"Our government will continue to encourage the strengthening of people to people contact with Indonesia. We will also continue to be a friendly place for Indonesian people and students," said the Council in a release from the Indonesian Embassy in London received, Tuesday, December 7.

In front of the business players while going around the exhibition stands one by one, the Council expressed his wish that Oxford will continue to be a friendly home for Indonesian promotional activities and a friendly location for Indonesian people and students.

Even during the tour, the Council had time to taste some food and shop for some handicrafts from Indonesia to enjoy 'Goyang Karawang' performed by the Lilla Bhawa Cultural Arts group. The Council's hospitality made business people scramble to take selfies with him.

"What surprised us all was that Pak Lygo was a very spontaneous person. He immediately approached the dancers and danced together. He was very passionate about Indonesia," said Enggi Holt, Chair of the event committee.

"Mr. Lygo encouraged us to open an Indonesian shop in Oxford. He also said he would support promotional activities like this," said Virni, an Indonesian handicraft entrepreneur.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Desra Believe explained that the support of the Mayor of Oxford, including his attendance at the exhibition, had an important meaning, considering that Oxford is one of the world's education centers and has a long history.

"It is very important to increase cooperation in various fields, especially in strengthening relations between the Indonesian people and the British community in Oxford and its surroundings," said Desra.

The promotional event itself received high enthusiasm from residents, with more than 1,500 people attending. With the theme 'Discover what Indonesia has to offer from unique products to creative services rich in culture and originality', the event presented a variety of Indonesian specialties, ranging from batik cloth and silver jewelry, to eco-friendly home furnishing products.

Visitors are also treated to Indonesian specialties, traditional music and dance, gamelan workshops, as well as information on learning Indonesian. The atmosphere at Oxford Town Hall on Sunday was like Kampung Indonesia in Oxford.