15 delegates represented the Association to attend the 26th World Hakka Conference in Jakarta Indonesia from 9 – 11 September 2013.

雅加达第26届世界客家恳亲大会

15 名代表参加了于9月9日至11日在印尼雅加达召开的第26届世界客家恳亲大会。

Report by one of our delegates Ms Anita Chong

The 26 World Hakka Conference 9-11 September 2013

Fifteen members of the WA Hakka Association joined over 6,000 delegates from all over the world to attend the 26th World Hakka Conference in Jakarta. Dato’ Tet K Yong, facilitator and organiser, was joined by Datin Lilly Yong, Norman and Annie Chia, Agnes and Francis Yapp, Lily and Alan Yit, Zhang Xiaoting and Anna Zhang, Qian Guiyuan and Yunkai, Anita and James Chong and Joseph Lee Xiaoye. Hakka people from as far afield as Canada gathered to showcase Hakka solidarity, success and culture.

The theme of the conference was 同谋同创客家福社, 社会繁荣 (Unite to create Hakka welfare and a prosperous society) These annual conferences provide a venue for Hakka people to meet and work towards a united Hakka community.

The conference commenced with a welcome dinner on Monday 9 September followed by a grand opening ceremony the following evening at the Jakarta International Expo Centre. It was attended by, among many prominent Hakka Indonesians , the Vice President of Indonesia, Boediono, who was a UWA graduate. Delegates were entertained by top class performances showcasing Indonesian songs & dances. Guests came away with a local musical instrument, the Angklung. The large audience joined in to play two Famous Teresa Deng tunes with the Angklungs.

A display of Hakka songs and Chinese traditional dances was the theme for the closing ceremony the next day. The ceremony included the handing over of the world Hakka flag to representatives from Kai Feng, the 2014 hosting city. The council also announced Xin Zhu (Hsinchu 新竹) in Taiwan as the 2015 host.

During the two days, while delegates went sightseeing around Jakarta, Heads of Hakka Associations met to format reports, discussed Hakka related issues and made plans for future conferences.

After the conference, delegates visited various places in Indonesia. The WA group flew to Yogyakarta and visited famous sights, the Canti(ancient Hindu Temple), Borobudur, 9th Century Buddhist Temple and the Kraton Complex, the Sultan’s Palace. They also attended a reception hosted by the Yogyakarta Hakka Association.

For some of us, it was the first such conference attended. It made one feel proud of the Hakka heritage, it’s uniqueness, culture and language.

On all counts, the conference was a success, drawing Hakka people from around the world to one place to celebrate their heritage.