During a December 10-11, 2014 visit to East Java, Ambassador Blake attended the opening of a new Cargill cocoa processing facility in Gresik, participated in media engagements, and celebrated the legacy of the 4th President of Indonesia, KH. Abdurrahman Wahid or Gus Dur. On December 10, Ambassador Blake accompanied by the US Consul General in Surabaya, Joaquin F. Monserrate, attended the opening ceremony for U.S. corporation Cargill Inc’s cocoa processing facility in Gresik, representing a total investment of over $100 million in East Java. Later on December 10, Ambassador Blake participated in an interview with Kompas TV, fielding questions ranging from trade and investment between the U.S. and Indonesia to bilateral relations.
He then participated in a business networking reception at the CG residence with East Java business leaders. On December 11, Ambassador Blake and the CG visited Nadhlatul Ulama Junior High School in Mojoagung and met with Gus Dur’s brother, KH. Salahuddin Wahid, or Gus Sholah, the leader of the famous Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School in Jombang. Ambassador Blake also paid respect to Gus Dur’s grave in Tebuireng, to commemorate the 5th anniversary of Gus Dur’s passing which falls on December 30th.
