JAKARTA, KalderaNews.com – Serving as the European Union’s top diplomat to ASEAN in one of the world’s busiest megapolises brings its own set of unique challenges for Sujiro Seam.
During a casual dialogue in Jakarta on Monday evening (26/1), the senior diplomat candidly shared his experiences regarding three primary “enemies” he faces while serving in the capital: traffic, pollution, and mosquitoes.
Tactics for Tackling Traffic and Pollution
For Seam, Jakarta’s legendary traffic is more than just a commute hurdle; it is a significant factor affecting productivity.
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With a touch of humor, he revealed his “smart” strategy to bypass the gridlock: he often chooses meeting venues located directly below his office, ensuring he doesn’t have to “go to war” with the city’s dense traffic.
Regarding air pollution, which remains a serious concern, Seam maintains an optimistic outlook. He views both traffic and pollution as “side effects” of the city’s extraordinary growth.
He expressed his amazement at Jakarta’s development, noting that the metropolitan area now houses approximately 42 million people, making it one of the largest urban agglomerations in the world.
The “Sweet Blood” Joke and Mosquito Woes
The most personal—and humorous—complaint he shared was his battle with mosquitoes. Seam feels he is a favorite target for Indonesian mosquitoes compared to those around him.
“My friends tell me it’s because I’m such a sweet person, so my blood must taste sweet to them,” he joked, drawing laughter from the audience.
A Cultural Bridge: From Cambodia to the EU
Sujiro Seam’s uniqueness lies not only in his relaxed communication style but also in his background.
Born in Cambodia before moving to build a distinguished career in France, Seam is a rare personification of the intersection between East and West at the highest levels of diplomacy.
His identity as a member of the diaspora adds a deep emotional dimension to his diplomatic missions in Southeast Asia.
Despite having to deal with the heat, traffic, and mosquitoes, Seam reaffirmed his admiration for Jakarta’s energy. To him, these challenges are an inseparable part of the dynamics of a fast-growing city moving toward the future.
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