Ethiopia was not a favourite post for diplomats. The area is challenging, with limited amenities and vulnerable to conflicts. “Electricity could be cut off up to three days,” Christine Refina Silalahi Sianipar, 39 years of age told her story. “Internet also could go out for two weeks every time there was a political tension. We were sooo dead! Haha.”
How did you end up “stranded” in Ethiopia?
At the beginning of 2018, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs opens bidding for a diplomat position in the Indonesian Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Christine applied. She was the only female diplomat who applied. Everyone was surprised. “My bosses asked, why didn’t you wait until there is an opening for a post in more comfortable developed countries such as Europe or America?”
As a junior diplomat, her career shone brightly. She was posted in Austria once, overseeing various international lobbying. She was widely known as a hard-working person. “Meeting until 3 AM? Bring it on! I was 7 months pregnant at that time but I didn’t care. I didn’t want my condition as a woman stopping me from working optimally.”
About Africa, Tian Sianipar, the husband was very supportive. “Let’s go, when will we ever get another chance to do adventure in Africa?”
So, both of them went on an adventure with their three kids, Abel (8), Ben (6) and Cika (2). “My husband was very supportive,” Christine said.
In July 2018, Christine was assigned as the First Secretary at the Indonesian Embassy in Ethiopia. A few months later, there was a shifting Ambassador role and Christine was appointed as Acting Ambassador while waiting for the replacing Ambassador to arrive.
As a junior diplomat, Christine had to mingle with all other Ambassadors from around the world. “I stayed confident. Fortunately, the sisterhood at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is fantastic. I was assisted by many senior officers.”
Unexpectedly, the Ethiopia Airline 302 tragedy occurred. There were 157 passengers died and one of them was Indonesian.
Christine worked really hard to ensure all safety aspects and protections for Indonesians are well-maintained. “It wasn’t easy. Information here was limited.” Doesn’t matter it is a digital era already, the bureaucracy in Ethiopia seemed to be put on hold decades ago. It was so challenging even only to try to get the names of the victims.”
Thank goodness everything was sorted out eventually. “Jakarta was happy, the media was happy. I was so relieved.”
Note: photo: private collection⠀
#PuanIndonesia #AddisAbaba#WomenStory #CeritaPerempuan
