The partnership between the two nations isn t ending there, officials said Tuesday, stating a long-term partnership is envisioned with a commitment to seeing what is being called the world s first Little Indonesia district flourish.
The Somersworth and Dover mayors and an Indonesia deputy ambassador met Tuesday morning in City Council chambers to discuss the future plans involving the Tri-Cities and Indonesia.
The cultural center itself is the first phase of the Little Indonesia district project in New Hampshire s smallest city, with hopes there will be more across the United States, according to officials. Somersworth has about 2,000 Indonesians among its population of about 11,000. More Indonesians live in Dover and other local communities.
When Luis Enoch of Somersworth came to New Hampshire in 1999, he was one of a handful of Indonesians. That’s not the case now, he laughs, where his hometown has around 2,000 people of Indonesian descent.
This weekend, the Little Indonesia Cultural Center opened its doors, marking Phase One of the project to bring the U.S s first Little Indonesia to Somersworth. Enoch was overjoyed to be a part of the celebration, which included a ribbon cutting, dancing, speakers, and food.
“This is good for us, for the Indonesian community here,” Enoch said. Little Indonesia, he explains, is “for our future.” He says it will be an icon for the local community, and a place where tourists can come to learn about Indonesian culture and support local businesses.
SOMERSWORTH Area residents looking to experience Indonesian culture have an opportunity Saturday, May 15.
The grand opening of the new Indonesian Cultural Center is being held from 3 to 6 p.m. at 156 High St. in Somersworth.
The event, which will show off the center s exhibitions and include food vendors, is being called Phase 1 of the plan to create the world s first Little Indonesia district in the Hilltop City.
An estimated 2,000 of Somersworth’s approximately 11,000 residents are Indonesian immigrants or of Indonesian descent, which, combined with neighboring communities, gives New Hampshire’s Seacoast one of the largest Indonesian populations north of Manhattan. The vision is to build community and enhance the relationship between Indonesia and the U.S., said Raude Raychel, president of Indonesian Community Connect.