A PRINCELY EXPERIENCE: SIN STUDENTS MEET HSH PRINCE NICOLAUS OF LIECHTENSTEIN

M.C.N.C.G. Putrawenas

(Pro-bono Special Advisor)

For many children, meeting a Prince of a small and wealthy European country sounds like a fairytale. For several of SIN students, it was a reality – and far from being a scene of childhood fantasy, they exchanged views of current events including some of the most difficult challenges of our times with His Serene Highness Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein.

In just a few more days, SIN students will partake in The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN), 25-29 January 2010, in which students with different background and nationalities from all over the world will meet and discuss international issues. The forum adopts United Nations rules and procedures in its proceedings and each delegation has been assigned a country to represent. The SIN delegation is privileged to have the unique opportunity to represent the Principality of Liechtenstein, one of the smallest countries in the world.

Liechtenstein itself is located around the Alps and bordered by Switzerland to the west and Austria to the east, making it a doubly landlocked country. Representing a country of just over 160 km2 with a population of around 35,000 requires the SIN delegation to understand different point of views from that of its native Indonesia with 2 million km2 and over 220 million population.

In the spirit of academic robustness, there is hardly any better source than the primary source. At the same token, the best way to understand Liechtenstein’s views of current issues is to talk directly to someone from Liechtenstein. Fortunately, Liechtenstein commissions an Embassy in the nearby Brussels and through its very informative website SIN managed to open contact with them who responded courteously. Well beyond expectation, the SIN delegation is truly honored that Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein himself who is also the Ambassador of Liechtenstein in Belgium was willing to spare his precious time to meet the Indonesian students.

After pushing through the unusually heavy traffic of Brussels at the time the delegation entered the city due to roadblocks and demonstrations, the delegation was greeted by the hospitable and cordial staffs of the Liechtenstein Embassy. The delegation of 15 students were accompanied by Mr. Saidan, the School Director; Mr. Wariso Siswoyo, SIN’s THIMUN Director; and Mr. Michael Putrawenas, the delegation’s coach and advisor.

As Prince Nikolaus entered the room there were neither overdone ceremonies nor an entourage of staffs and bodyguard, contrary to popular beliefs on how a Prince conduct his engagements. His Serene Highness was on his own, humble yet dignified, as he warmly welcomed the delegation.

The delegation spared little time before asking questions relevant to their assigned topics in THIMUN 2010, trying to understand where Liechtenstein stand on world issues. Questions were asked around poor countries’ participation on summit-level economic talks, nuclear proliferation, money laundering, taxation, build-up of navies in the Mediterranean, United States’ embargo on Cuba, human trafficking, corruption, and relationship with least developed countries.

His Serene Highness explained in some length the issues and Liechtenstein’s views on them with real examples and moreover good sense of humor. The interactive session was not only informative but also insightful and inspiring. For almost two hours, the young ladies and gentlemen of SIN delegation were in discussion with one of the most senior members of the Lichtenstein’s royal family.

Towards the end, Mr. Saidan as the School Director graciously expressed gratitude and presented to His Serene Highness a wayang kulit of the character Krisna who is known as a wise king and leader, loved by the people. A piece of batik and SIN’s emblem were also given as token of appreciation.

The visit to Liechtentein Embassy in Brussels and real-time engagement with a foreign dignitary have proven to be means of education beyond school premises that expose the youth to invaluable experience. As THIMUN draws near, SIN’s delegation is getting itself ready. But the knowledge and insights that will remain long after THIMUN are what really matter.

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