By Honorary Reporter Monthi Rosselini from Indonesia

Photos = Monthi Rosselini

Diplomatic ties between Korea and Indonesia were established in 1973 and the two countries have achieved major progress in their relationship over the last half century. To mark the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations, I took part in several programs commemorating this occasion.

The first event held last year from Nov. 12-30 was a contest to design a logo and slogan on bilateral ties. The Korean Embassy in Jakarta and the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul jointly hosted the event.

This was my submission for the logo and slogan contest.

My design had the colors of the Indonesian flag: red representing courage and white representing purity and spirit. I also included a combination of dark blue and red from the traditional Korean symbol Taegeuk that represents balance and harmony, with the opposing colors joined together in infinite motion until they become one. The number 50 at the center of the logo acknowledged the half century of ties. The logo's shape was like the symbol for infinity, which conveys my hope for a long-standing bilateral relationship.

Next, I entered last month a design contest for obangsaek, or the five traditional Korean colors of red, blue, yellow, white and black, held by the Korean Culture Center in Jakarta. My entry incorporated obangsaek  with the traditional Korean building Hanok. When designing the logo, I started by doing a sketch and taking color samples of obangsaek. I tried to simplify the intricate Hanok design so that the logo was easily recognizable. I placed the color yellow behind the Hanok like the shining sun, which symbolizes a new spirit and optimism.

I placed my obangsaek design against the backdrop of a Hanok.

Also last month, I tried making a batik pattern for the 50th anniversary. Batik is a traditional Indonesian craft that uses a wax-resistant dyeing technique on the cloth. Most of the patterns contain meanings. I chose the national flowers of Indonesia and Korea for my design. The Indonesian national flower is jasmine, also known as bunga melati, which symbolizes chastity, elegance and sincerity, and Korea's is mugunghwa (rose of Sharon), whose name means "eternal blossom."

I designed a batik pattern incorporating the national flowers of Indonesia and Korea.

On the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations, I hope that both countries further strengthen their ties for the mutual benefit of each nation and its people.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.