Maya Soetoro ‘Obama’ Apresiasi Museum UGM
Maya Soetoro ‘Obama’ Apresiasi Museum UGM
The sister of U.S. President Barack Obama, Maya Soetoro-Ng, visited the UGM Museum in the Bulaksumur D6 and D7 residences in UGM compound at Bulaksumur. Maya highly appreciates the establishment of the Museum due to be launched during the 64th UGM anniversary on 19 December 2013.
“I appreciate the designing of the UGM Museum," said Maya on Tuesday (11/6).
She expected that the Museum would become a media of expression for students, lecturers and visitors.
Maya mentioned her pride when she was visiting Yogyakarta and UGM.
"I have not visited Yogyakarta in 23 years," she added.
Maya Soetoro looked enthusiastic when she was looking at the collections of the Museum, which include photos of UGM and national figures who helped found UGM, UGM senior figures, UGM achievements, student achievements, monumental works of UGM and various developments.
She also observed the Barry Room in D7, Obama's room when he spent his holiday in Yogyakarta. Normally, during Ramadan between years 1967-1971 the little Obama would travel by train to Yogyakarta with his mum, Ann Dunham, and step father, Dr. Soetoro. They always stayed at the official residence of the step uncle, Iman Sutiknjo. Dr. Soetoro was the little brother of the wife of Iman Sutiknjo.
Meanwhile, UGM Vice Rector for Research and Community Service, Prof. Dr. Suratman, M.Sc, said the Museum would become common hopes and aspirations to realise the spirit of community service and dedication of UGM for the nation and society. UGM Museum is an effective means to transform UGM's identity as university of struggle, nationhood and culture, based on Pancasila.
Similarly, Chairman of the Museum, Dr. Daud Aris Tanudirdjo, M.A., said the visit of Dr Maya Soetoro and delegates from University of Hawai’i is special as it strengthens UGM's role internationally through UGM Museum. “This visit gives us the spirit to continue our work," Daud said.