REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PARIS -  A French student, Kamel Benslimane won Indonesia's speech contest held by Indonesian Embassy in Paris to commemorate National Education Day 2013. 

"The speech contests was targeted to French community, particularly among students. They learn Indonesian language as an integral part of Indonesian culture. It was also a tool of diplomacy to strengthen diplomatic relations between Indonesia and France," Attache of Education at Indonesian Embassy in Paris, Syafsir Akhlus, said on Wednesday. 

Benslimane's victory have been predicted due to his ability in conveyed meaningful phrases in Indonesian language, better than other participants.

Interestingly, Benslimane could also axpress a familiar proverb in Indonesian language, "jauh di mata dekat di hati" (literally means: far from eyes but close to heart) while in French language it was said "loins des yeux, loin du coeur" (means: far from the eyes, far from the heart). According to Benslimane, he was a French but he agreed more with the  expression of the Indonesian language because it showed deeper feelings.

In his speech, Benslimane read a poetry. "If Indonesia were a woman, I should marry her. If Indonesia were a thief, he has stolen my heart," he said. His speech was immediately followed by thunderous applause from the audience. Benslimane finally got tickets Paris - Jakarta from Indonesian Embassy in Paris as the grand prize. His love definitely brings Benslimane to Indonesia. 

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