Consulate-General of Indonesia

Consulate-General of Indonesia 🇮🇩
Location: Causeway Bay, 127 - 129 Leighton Road; 6-8 Keswick Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Just like their Malaysian neighbors to the north, the Indonesian Consulate is also located in its own building, aptly named the Indonesia Building in Causeway Bay. Entering the consulate, we were seated in a small corner with Batik fabric lining the walls. Quickly we were introduced to Ms. Prassanti, the Consul of Socio-Cultural affairs, and Ms. Ayu, the Vice-Consul of Socio-Cultural affairs.

After quick introductions, we learned about the history of the Indonesian Consulate in Hong Kong. The mission was established in 1951 and they have occupied all 21 floors of this building since 1975. The consulate is open 6 days a week instead of the usual 5 because this is the day helpers (~153,000 of whom are Indonesian) get off work.

The Indonesian Consulate does a lot of work in helping domestic workers file complaints, and also has oversight over the agencies that bring in helpers. We learned the consulate has a 24-hour hotline for complaints, of which many are regarding a lack of rest days and sleep, long working hours, salary problems, employers withholding private documents, and to a lesser extent, physical abuse.

Outside of domestic workers, spreading Indonesian culture is also a focus for the consulate, through encouraging tourism and participating in cultural events. Hong Kong is a large source of tourism for Indonesia, and the Consulate has been trying to encourage tourists to visit other parts of the country, not only Bali. Furthermore, they have worked with many local Indonesians and the Hong Kong government to better diffuse culture, holding a stall at the Hong Kong Book Fair (which we visited) and participating in the HK flower show. Indonesian food is also relatively prevalent in Hong Kong, with Nasi Goreng, and your favorite garlic noodles from 7-11, which are made from Indomie’s Mi Goreng.

Given the hospitality that we received from the Consulate and their staff, we thank them greatly for their time, and we highly encourage you all to visit Indonesia in the future!