Lifetime Experience – Travel Story from Malaysia

by Noristyo Cony Adhi Laksono (Indonesia)

I didn't expect to find Malaysia

Two week ago. When I came for the first time to Malaysia, I crossed the border on a plane from Indonesia and it take about 2 hour of flight. I was so excited but worried in the same time because Malaysia is one of the countries in Asia which has a positive case of corona virus. Because of my family's support, I finally decided to keep going. I have prepared various anticipations to prevent transmission of the virus and pray for protection. Malaysia, I'm coming... I got the opportunity to join in international conference (Global Peace Chain 2020, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia). About 380 youth participated in the event representing more than 70 nationalities. As a student majoring in international relations, it was an honor to be able to meet with the Young Leader across the globe. Global Peace Chain is a forum for promoting the message of love and peace across the border. During the event, we were invited to peace talks with society stakeholders, diplomats, ambassadors, influential community groups and UN officials. I realize that young people are agents of change, we have an important role as actors in preventing conflict and maintaining peace. Young people’s contributions is invaluable. But that was not the only event that I attended when in Malaysia. The first formal visit that I did when arrived in Malaysia was to the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I had the opportunity to have a brief discussion with the education attache and also staff in there. In this session we discussed about the tasks of the Indonesian Embassy in general, matters relating to Indonesia's relations with Malaysia, discussed the experiences of resource persons in achieving diplomatic positions, as well as discussing rights (both in terms of education rights and the right of recognition of citizenship status) from children born illegally (marriages between Indonesian citizens and their employers who are not legally recognized). The most impressive part that I got was every child born in this world has the right to education regardless of the legal status in a country, the state still has an obligation to provide proper education. In my free time I take a tour around Kuala Lumpur. Various tourist attractions that I have visited. First is Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC), the best shopping mall in Malaysia. Here we can take pictures against the background of the Petronas Twin Towers. I also bought various kinds of souvenirs at affordable prices in China Town and Central Market. Another tourist spot that I visited was the Batu Caves, the most popular Hindu temples outside India, dedicated to the god Murugan. The highest Murugan statue in the world (Hindu gods) is located outside of Batu Caves. This site is also the focal point of the Hindu festival in Malaysia. Unfortunately I came when there was no festival. So sad... After leaving Kuala Lumpur, I continued my journey to Johor, Malaysia. Actually, I planned to stay a day at Johor then continue my trip to Singapore. But I got news related to the spread of the corona virus in Singapore which is getting worse. Finally, with a heavy heart I must end this journey and return to Indonesia immediately.