JABAR EKSPRES – The British Embassy for Indonesia and Timor-Leste chose to hold a celebration of King Charles III’s birthday at the Bogor Botanical Gardens because it has a history related to the country.
Deputy British Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Matt Downing, during the celebration, in Bogor, Tuesday (6/6), explained that the UK just had a new king, King Charles III, who was crowned on May 6, 2023 and every June the whole world celebrates the birthday of the British king.
“And this is an opportunity for us to also celebrate our relationship with Bogor City. The arrival of this Royal Band shows a military tradition from England that we can share with our friends here. It can bring together British traditions and also Indonesian traditions,” Matt said.
Matt Downing pointed out that the Bogor Botanical Garden has a strong connection with the UK, beginning with Stamford Raffles who served as Lieutenant Governor in Java, residing at Bogor Palace in 1811 and having a garden with an English-style landscape, which later became the inspiration for the Botanical Garden.
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The historical connection between England and the Bogor Botanical Garden dates back to the 18th century during the leadership of Stamford Raffles. Bogor Botanical Garden is also home to the giant flower, Rafflesia (Rafflesia Arnoldii), one of the rarest plants in Indonesia.
“Bogor Botanical Garden is a very beautiful garden and I am very impressed with the beauty of Bogor Botanical Garden. There are historical ties between the UK and Indonesia, Bogor Botanical Garden also cooperates with Kew Garden in London,” Matt said.
Deputy Mayor Dedie Abdul Rachim said Bogor City was honored to be part of King Charles III’s birthday celebration. Moreover, Bogor Botanical Garden has a special historical relationship with England since the 18th century.
