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It’s only been four months but Sibari Rachida has a pretty good grasp of the city. As the wife of Mohamed Majdi, the Moroccan ambassador to Indonesia, Rachida spends her day shaking hands and keeping appointments, but the life of the wife of an ambassador isn’t all galas and luncheons.

Rachida talks a little bit about her day and what someone whose job is never really done does when she wants to relax.

How long have you been in Jakarta?

Four months. Before Jakarta we were posted in Moscow from 1987 to 1991, then Geneva from 1994 to 2000. And before we came here we were in Rabat.

As the wife of an ambassador, can you talk a bit about your role and how you spend your day?

It’s full of meetings and events. I go out, I have lunch, I meet people, I make and keep appointments, all kinds of things. For example, today I had lunch with the wife of the minister of foreign affairs and tonight I have a reception. But there is also the women’s club here in Jakarta, sometimes there is a fashion show. There are many activities. No day resembles the previous one.

Do you see being the wife of an ambassador as a job?

It’s more than a job being the wife of an ambassador. You can’t separate the ambassador and the job because he is representing his country officially and the wife is representing her country as well. If I do something wrong there could be huge repercussions for him. My job is like an ambassador, I complement him.

What are you doing for July 31, the national day of the Kingdom of Morocco? Will you have a party here in your home?

For the national day, Throne Day, which marks the anniversary of the enthronement of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, we will definitely have a party. But the house is a little bit small to have it here, so we will probably organize it at the JW Marriott.

How many Moroccans are there in Indonesia?

About 80.

What will be on the menu for national day celebrations?

Traditional Moroccan cuisine including fish and chicken, lamb, etc.

Are your friends here in Jakarta all diplomats?

Some of them are, but not all of them.

How long will you be here in Indonesia?

In principle the post is for four years, but our stay could be shorter or longer.

Have you traveled outside Jakarta, to Bali or Lombok?

We haven’t had the time yet, but like everyone I want to see Bali and then other places like Surabaya and Sumatra. There are so many things to see here in Indonesia, it’s a beautiful country.

What is it like to live in Jakarta knowing full well that you’ll be gone in just a few years?

I guess I have just got used to it. It won’t be the first time that it has happened. This is what it’s like being the wife of a diplomat.

Have you fallen in love with Indonesian food?

It’s great but it’s hot!

What do you miss most about Morocco?

Morocco itself. When I get homesick I listen to Moroccan music or look at photos.

When Jakartans ask you to describe Morocco, what do you say?

I try to describe the climate first; the air, the weather. Not everyone knows where it is so I talk about it, its institutions, the climate, beautiful sights for tourism and its cuisine. We tell people we are Muslim, we are Arabs and we are from Africa, and then we move on from there.

If I were going on vacation to Morocco, what would I be a fool to miss?

I would ask you first whether you like the sea or the mountains. If you like the sea, I would recommend Tangier, Agadir or Essaouira. Each year they have a music festival on the beach. I think it’s in May.

Is there a good Moroccan restaurant in town?

Maroush. It’s a great restaurant, but the best Moroccan food in Indonesia is here in this house [smiles].

How do you describe Jakarta to friends back home?

It’s a great country. Before coming here I heard a lot about the city, but the reality is another thing. Jakarta is a lot better than I expected.

Morocco has the beach, the desert and the mountains. Do you ever miss the snow?

I like snow, but not too much of it. It’s nice to see the snow, but when there’s too much you can’t even go outside.

What do you think of Jakarta?

I like it very much but, like everyone, I dislike the traffic.



Sibari Rachida was talking to Zack Petersen.