Westminster, California – Indonesia’s longstanding commitment to regional solidarity was formally recognized on May 17, 2025, when the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Los Angeles received the AAPI Achievement Award. The honor reflects Indonesia’s historical humanitarian efforts in assisting Vietnamese refugees at Galang Island during the aftermath of the Vietnam War.
Presented as part of the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebrations, the award ceremony was organized by Little Saigon TV and attended by public officials including Westminster Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen and San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. The event celebrated cultural diversity and the collective memory of migration, resilience, and mutual support across Asian communities.
Indonesia’s role in sheltering thousands of refugees on Galang Island has long been regarded as a key example of humanitarian diplomacy within Southeast Asia. The island, once home to a UN-backed refugee camp, became a place of refuge and recovery for displaced persons from Vietnam in the 1970s–1990s.
In his address, the Indonesian Consul General emphasized that the recognition is not merely ceremonial—it affirms shared ASEAN values of compassion, cooperation, and people-centered diplomacy. He also highlighted the opportunity for deeper collaboration between Asia-Pacific communities in the United States, particularly in culture, tourism, and economic development.
The event featured traditional performances from multiple Asian cultures, including Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Korea, India, and Thailand. These cultural displays illustrated the deep connections between ASEAN countries and their diaspora communities.
With the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month officially recognized by the U.S. Congress since 1992, this annual observance remains an important platform for honoring contributions from the ASEAN region and beyond. For Indonesia, the AAPI Achievement Award stands as a testament to its enduring role in fostering humanitarian action and regional unity.
