NIA, that is what her friends call her ! NIA is barely thirteen, yet she has accomplished something that girls at her age or even adults can only dream about ! NIA is the Universal Ambassador for Peace and Human Rights for Indonesia and the World ! Her father Rudy Agus and her mother Sakti Dewi Tirtowidjojo never imagined that their daughter would meet the leader of the most powerful nation on earth, President Bill Clinton and Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton ! NIA, or going by her full name as Marniati Agus, during the meeting expressed her profound sadness and sympathy upon hearing about such extensive violence occurring all over the world, including Indonesia. She was especially touched when she heard about the horrific May ’98 rapes of women of Chinese ancestry in Indonesia, but NIA also expressed her deep concern about Racial Discrimination elsewhere in the world.

NIA, is the grandaughter of the late Oey Ho Tjai, AKA Gono Tirtowidjojo, a 1945 freedom fighter who ferried guns in his ship "KM Kota Silat" during the struggle against the Dutch. That topic was depicted in an Indonesian Movie titled "Mustika Ibu" ( starring Deddy Sutomo and Debby Cynthia Dewi) in 1978. During the Indonesian revolution Mr. Gono was arrested by the Dutch, tortured and jailed and contracted Tuberculosis while in detention. Mr Gono’s contribution to the Independence movement did not stop there; he even donated his whole antique collection to Fatahillah Museum in Jakarta. Oey Ho Tjai was bestowed the Satyalencana Star for his loyalty and contributions.

There is an ancient saying that states " sweet fruit always grows from a quality tree " and and that is exemplified in another of NIA’s grand parents who was Amanto Agus (YBØAE), and who was one of the founders of ORARI (Indonesian HAM Radio Association). He was one of the freedom fighters during the Indonesian Independence Movement who operated an underground radio station that broadcast news to counter allied propaganda. An authority on Indonesian revolutionary history, Uncle Toha, who now resides in Los Angeles and is a good friend of Anto corroborates the heroic deeds of Amanto.

Why did NIA want to meet President Clinton so much?
Traditional Leather Puppets Drawing
Good News !
Going into the White House
Main Discussion
Support from White House

Why did NIA want to meet President Clinton so much?

NIA overheard many conversations in her family about the horrendously painful experiences of those Indonesian Chinese women who were raped during the May 1998 riots. This young child could not forget what was said one evening by guests and family friends who spoke about the happenings in Indonesia at that time. NIA was supposed to be asleep, but she was secretly and quietly listening to these hushed conversations. As a result she was unable to sleep for months, and it seemed that she just wanted to scream as loud as possible. She was unable to comprehend why there were people who could act in such a cruel and inhumane fashion. NIA was under severe stress and her physical condition was deteriorating. NIA’s parents brought her to a Doctor, who concluded that NIA was under severe Psychological Stress. NIA poured her heart out to the Doctor and she told him everything!

The doctor listened intently to what NIA had to say, and even the Doctor could not help but shed his tears too! Doctor Shaham then asked NIA what she really wanted to do in order to put her anxieties to rest ? The good Doctor promised all he could to help NIA fulfill her wish ! NIA then told him that her fervent wish was to meet with President Clinton to convey her profound sadness in seeing so much human suffering in this world and to plead with President Clinton, the leader of the most powerful Nation on the earth, to intervene and to put a stop to the endless violence and suffering. NIA mentioned and told about places like Timor, Aceh, Ambon and Irian, even though NIA had never attended an Indonesian school, she appeared to know those places. The Doctor was very surprised and did not know what to answer as he never expected this young child to utter such words.

The moral and emotional load weighed heavily on Doctor Shaham, more so since he had promised to help NIA. The Doctor then commenced his effort by consulting his staff, NIA’s family, and proceeded to contact the appropriate organizations and authorities. NIA was told to personally write and address her letter to the White House with the hope that NIA would be able to direct her wishes and in so doing reduce her emotional tensions. The goal was for NIA to get well !

No one could be sure that NIA’s letter would receive a positive response, especially to permit her to meet the President. Even other Presidents from other countries who request to be invited to the White House, have difficulties getting it , let alone a child who immigrated to the US less than 10 years ago. However NIA’s mother, Sakri Dewi, never forgets to pray. She really loves her children and always tries to fulfill her children’s needs, especially in the field of education and work. Every time she prays, she always asks the Almighty to protection her children.

Her parents did not expect the high level of intelligence of their child but her school GPA was 3.7. This GPA fulfilled the requirements for her to submit an application to visit the White House. This was one of the important requirements. NIA herself contacted a social worker Ms. Dianne, a member of an NGO from the Los Angeles Committee for Human Rights in Indonesia (CHI), Ms. Vicky from the Make a Wish Foundation, her principal, her English teacher Ms. Burno, and many others, in her efforts to meet President Bill Clinton. She was tireless in her efforts, and at times did it without her parents full knowledge. Her parents had never expected the high goals of their daughter, who wanted to grow up to become a pediatrician.

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Traditional Leather Puppets Drawing

Secretly, this child whose ambition is also to become an International Lawyer, made a traditional leather puppets drawing that depicts the BharataYudha legend. This portrayal was completed little by little using the time she could spare from her extra curricular activities. She finished this drawing with her uncle’s, Hakim Tirta,guidance – he was a person who had an Artistic & Printing background. This drawing was inspired by a show at a fair in Ancol, when she visited Jakarta with her parents. The completed drawing would be presented to President Clinton as a memento. Her allowance that she managed to save was to pay for the frame for the drawing. Because this drawing was meant for a President, the appropriate frame had to be purchased.

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Good News !

There were many unidentified callers in the beginning of the year. This was followed by a call telling them that NIA’s request was being processed, but NIA was unsure about the results. Then right at the beginning of spring 1999, in the mailbox of the Agus family, was a huge yellow colored envelope with the seal of the White House. With her heart beating rapidly, she opened the envelope in front of her family. NIA screamed happily; " I got it! I got it! Oh my God, I can’t believe it, I can’t believe it." President Bill Clinton through the White House’s protocol gave instructions regarding the invitation for NIA’s family, to meet with him and the first lady.

The Agus’ family was very very honored and pleased. They were kept busy preparing for their departure and in between they also contacted Indonesia Media. We, Indonesia Media immediately instructed our reporter, Dave Lin, who’s stationed in Washington D.C. to cover the news and function as a guide for NIA’s visit to the White House as a Teenage Ambassador for Humanity and Peace. Journalistic matters for the White House were not as easy as we had thought. There were so many procedures that we had to follow associated with security measures. Indonesia Media had to remain silent for a few months in order to be cleared from the White House to release this news.

Two weeks later, 4 United Airlines ticket and hotel vouchers were sent , along with the White House schedule that was itemized up to the minutes. On that day, April 3 1999, they left as a family by United Airlines, and arrived in Dulles Airport at 3:32 PM. They were immediately picked up by a limousine going to the hotel J.W. Mariott. Ms. Linda Rubin organized the events scheduled in the White House in Washington D.C., Mr. Dave Lin reporter of the Indonesia Media, immediately contacted NIA and her family in the hotel. For the Agus’ family this was a pleasant time, and they felt very welcome as while they were there, the Indonesia Media reporter, who speaks Indonesian also acted as a guide for them. Dave Lin, well known for his generosity and kindness , took them sight seeing all over the place. He took them to the Cherry Blossoms and the Holocaust museum (a museum remembering the persecution of the Jews by the Nazis). Dave Lin who was also active in the UFHR (United Front for Human Rights) was able to narrate to them the meaning of the Holocaust, which had similar characteristics of the fate of minorities in Indonesia. Apparently, NIA already knew much about the Holocaust. She could hardly control her emotions, because the matters discussed were closely related to what was to be discussed by Nia with President Bill Clinton.

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Going into the White House

April 5, at 7:00 in the morning they were already awake. They ate breakfast together at the hotel. At exactly 9:00 AM Ms. Linda Rubin picked us up, and we walked toward the White House, which was very close to the hotel. We entered the White House through the Northwest Gate, Pennsylvania Ave. After we went through security clearance, we arrived at the South Lawn garden where a party was hosting an Easter Egg Roll event in the White House commemorating Easter. Nia and her family were able to join them, and took pictures with the Easter Bunny. At 10:00 AM, President Clinton and Hillary Clinton walked down the stairs from the house towards the yard. Then he headed to the microphone to make a speech welcoming Easter for about 20 minutes. NIA felt so very important because she was seated in the VIP section.

After that they were allowed to go inside. They looked around in the China Room (a room showing ceramics) and the Red room, a room that has always been used by the First Lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton to meet her guests. Not long after, the White House’s staff protocol allowed them to go into the "Map Room," which was used to discuss war strategies during the Second World War under the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt. That was where Bill Clinton and Hillary met us. Clinton was talking kindly with the Agus family. Even NIA talked openly with "The First Family," and even played with Buddy, the US Presidential favorite dog. They appeared to be very close, as if they had known each other for a long time. NIA was able to ask about Chelsea, the only daughter of this first family. Hillary explained that Chelsea only came home for a day and had to go back to school. The First Lady apparently knew NIA well enough through the letter NIA wrote to President Clinton and herself, and she welcomed Nia warmly.

At that time, NIA presented her hand crafted present, the traditional leather puppets drawing to President Clinton. Clinton was amazed by the drawings, and took the opportunity to ask what the picture symbolized. NIA answered, "This is the story of Bharata Yudha. One is nice, one is bad, one is just okay, and one is not known if it’s good or bad until the end of the story . This is only a stage of the play in a story that nobody knows the ending of. There’s always a mastermind that sets these puppets into action. But at what stage the play in the world is now, is unknown. Sometimes we don’t know who’s good and who’s bad even when the play is over. Sometimes the mastermind is not even known." President Clinton was surprised for a while, to hear that kind of a speech from a 13 year old. Then that quiet moment was broken by Clinton and Hillary’s laughter, followed by the others who realized the truth in these words coming from this child.

Then the president said, "Wonderful, this picture of yours will now be placed in the dining room." NIA could not believe what President Clinton had said, and tried to get a confirmation . "Right," said the President, "I will hang this in my dining room." The placement of this puppet picture was then discussed between Hillary Clinton and her secretary, and it was decided that it was to be placed in the White House dining room.

 

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Main Discussion

"Okay, Mr. President, if there’s nothing else on the program, then it’s my turn to go into our main discussion," said this Teen Ambassador for Human Rights and Peace. The situation suddenly became serious. President Clinton opened the discussion with a serious expression.

President Clinton: "I’ve read your whole letter. I understand, and it’s been a long time that I’ve known about your country’s conflicts. This is not a simple matter."

Nia: "But did you know that victims continue to fall ? And the children and women are always those becoming the victims? Mr. President, I’m representing all the children of the world today to ask you to immediately take action to calm this continuing violence in the world. It is happening in Bosnia, Indonesia with the May 13-15 riot, East Timor, Aceh, Ambon, Irian, and Kosovo. Just to let you know that on May 13-15 in Indonesia, in a country where my parents and I were born, planned rapes of Chinese children and women were occurring . All of those women were stripped off of their clothes on the streets and raped in groups. There were some that were burned with their kids. There was even a father who was forced to rape his child..." NIA stopped talking, her tears were uncontrollable.

Then NIA continued, "Worst of all, children my age were unable to escape from persecution. Why did this have to happen. I’m of Chinese ancestry, born in Indonesia and am extremely saddened by this incident. My grandfather, my father, and I, we all love Indonesia. I’m not prepared to see a country where I’m from, to fall into hell, only because of a group of immoral people. After the Holocaust happened, the world said, ‘This will not be allowed to happen again.’ But why is it happening again? In God’s eyes, everyone has the same rights, it doesn’t matter if he’s African American, Mexican, or Chinese. No religion can be discriminated against. In Indonesia why are the ethnic Chinese always persecuted? I realize that I’m just a little kid and am not able to do anything. Even if I speak in public, no one would listen to me. I’ve talked to my parents about this, and they have told me not to talk about matters like this again. They suggested to me to just study and to do my schoolwork. They’re used to these conditions where the authorities forbid any discussion related to politics. But this matter is about human rights and relates to the safety of many people, where most of the victims are children. The Authorities continue to deny this matter, and now the Indonesian President has denied that the mass-rapes even occurred. How is this possible ? He has denied reality? Why not just accept what happened, and prevent the reoccurrence of this kind of violence ! I looked for information through conversations with my friends and I found so much more information from the Internet all over the world. No one can cover this up! Mr. President, I believe that you are the only person who can overcome this matter. You are a man I really admire other than my father, and that’s why I have to meet you and talk about this with you. Mr. President, you as a person with power have to take quick actions, if not, we will not have any future generation. That’s why I am saying it again; Please don’t let it happen again! NIA had spoken all this while with conviction with her bright and shining eyes brimming in tears.

For a while the room became quiet, the president took a deep breath, and with a gentle voice he said: "Okay NIA, I will pay close attention to this matter, and try to do something to overcome it. I promise that this matter won’t happen again."

NIA: "I also represent my school friends, and we plead to you Mr. President, to take serious action for the safety of the schools, prevent violence, and to act on illegal weapons, drugs, sex, and gangs. How are we supposed to study peacefully if we’re afraid and have to think about these matters ? Mr. President, you are a strong person, and you are the best President in history. Even though you’ve done something wrong in the past, in my eyes, you are still the strongest President, and nicest. Your achievements have proven that to me, with the Surplus Budget and Low Unemployment. I consider you as the angel Gabriel, and because of that I came to you."

The First Lady came to NIAia and hugged her saying; "Calm down NIA, we will tell them to do it."

Hillary: "NIA, what is your ambition?"

NIA: "I want to be a pediatrician, so I can offer medical help to all the children in the world who are suffering. I want to go to Africa to give medical help to the children who are far from any facility. Oh yeah, I also want to be an International lawyer, so if there’s anyone who dares to do something bad, I would take legal action against them."

Hillary: "Wow, NIA your ambitions are glorious. I’m proud that America has a future leader like you."

NIA: "I admire you too. You are a woman filled with integrity."

Hillary: "Mrs. Agus, even though NIA is not my daughter, as the First Lady I would like to entrust you to protect NIA’s ambitions so she’ll continue to keep her spirit, America needs people like NIA."

NIA: "Yes, I want to be someone like you (Hillary Clinton). You are my role model."

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Support from White House

When this meeting was about to end, the White House staff protocol addressed their comments to us: "Today, the world will not believe what happened in the White House. Apparently today a little 13-year-old girl came to the White House to meet the President. She just asked for peace in the country where she was born and safety as well for the children. Her name will be carved in the history of the White House." During another opportunity, she said that, "Nia’s name is already written in the White House. One day, if NIA is ready to run into the political field, or running to be a senator, the White House will support her."

Linda Rubin also added: "I never thought that a child this young with such enthusiasm has communicated all this to the President. I’m really proud and amazed, NIA is an "Angel" for the children’s world. She is the Teenage Envoy for Human Rights and Peace," while wiping her tears of emotion.

NIA also delivered her School Principal’s personal letter to President Clinton during this event. That letter has been replied by President Clinton personally.

Marniaty Agus, and her Family left the White House with a feeling of having enjoyed the honor and privilege of meeting President Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton and also with a great sense of relief in their hearts. All of NIA’s grievances had been conveyed. Not just NIA’s grievances and the children’s grievances , but the whole world’s grievances had been presented.

Dave Lin, Dr. Hilman, Rudy, Dr. Irawan/Indonesia Media.

Reference:

- Official letter from Nia to Mr. President Bill Clinton (see page 19)
- Official letter form Mr. President Bill Clinton to Nia (see page 20)
- All photos are courtesy of White House, could be seen on page :14, 16 and 18