SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The development of a country is supported by many factors, including foreign policy. Foreign policy was vital as it was the door to many opportunities.

It also opened doors to bilateral cooperation and foreign loans. The success of foreign policy wasn't only determined by ambassadors, but also state leaders and their social skills.

Indonesian first president Soekarno or Bung Karno often traveled and made friends with major state leaders, including Soviet Union leader Nikita Khrushchev.

Their friendship brought huge benefits for Indonesia. The relationship between Kremlin and Jakarta was harmonious, making various cooperations ran smoothly.

Many of Indonesia's big projects that needed huge funding were carried out, for example, the establishment of the biggest sports complex in Indonesia, Gelora Bung Karno (GBK).

"Among the state leaders I know, he is the most prominent in terms of establishing relationships. Nehru, for example, is a different kind of leader. A state leader must conduct public gatherings, and he likes to gather people. It seems like he always needs an audience, which means he needs a big stage as well, and that's the stadium we built," said Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev in the book "Memoirs of Nikita Khrushchev: Volume 3" (2004).

Bali Tour

The firendship between Bung Karno and Nikita was harmonious, and the two actively visited eachother. Soekarno's visit to the Soviet Union in 1956 was warmly welcomed and Nikita's visit to Indonesia in February of 1960 was also met with high enthusiasm.

Soekarno brought Nikita to major cities in Indonesia. Bali became a special place of the state trip. Bung Karno arranged Nikita's visit thoroughly, and involved his favorite artist James Clarence Pandy in welcoming the Soviet Union leader.

Pandy wasn't just an artist for Bung Karno. The state leader was a regular of the artist's. He thought of Pandy as a walking, breathing art encyclopedia. Bung Karno knew of other great artists because of Pandy.

"Every time he was in town, Bung Karno would pay a visit to the Pandy Gallery. After talks about art, Pak Pandy would give the President's orders to the painters. In Bali, the Presidential Palace painter wasn't me, it was Pak Pandy," said Indonesian famous painter Dullah as told by Agus Dermawan T. in the book "Dongeng dari Dullah" (2020).

Pandy was ordered to design the interiors of Nikita's bedroom while staying at the Sindhu Beach Hotel. He reportedly was also ordered to design the interiors of the Tampaksiring Palace. He carried out his tasks well.

Nikita in Tampaksiring

Soekarno brought Nikita around Bali. He wanted to introduce Bali as the "home" of his mother to Nikita. He introduced Nikita to the panoramic beauty of Bali and the locals' hospitality. Bung Karno also tucked a flower behind Nikita's ear, a Balinese traditional ritual.

Indonesian senior journalist Rosihan Anwar reported that Nikita was brought to Tampaksiring Palace and its surroundings, including the Tirta Empul Temple in Tampaksiring.

It's a place often used for "melukat", a traditional ceremony to cleanse the mind and body. Nikita was brought to see the bathing place of men and women.

Bung Karno also showed the daily life of a local Balinese. He also showed his closeness to the people. Nikita was like an amazed tourist to his show. Nikita also had the opportunity to bike around Tampaksiring.

His delightful experience in Bali was concluded with a Balinese traditional art performance in the Tampaksiring Palace. Many of Balinese traditional art was performed in the lavish atmosphere. The harmonious friendship between the two state leaders was prominent. Those who attended the party were no joe either.

"The state apparatus highly secured the event in Tampaksiring. They checked our IDs twice while we were on our way. By the time we arrived, the pavilion was packed with guests from Denpasar. They were waiting for the art performances," said Rosihan Anwar in the book "Sejarah Kecil 'Petite Histoire' Indonesia Jilid 2" (2008).

The journalists went through tight security. The event was lavish and private. Many were astonished with the beauty of Tampaksiring Palace, which was built in 1957. That experience was considered one of the best parts of Nikita's visit to Indonesia.