Jokowi Pushes Indonesian Diplomats to Priotise Economic Diplomacy

Liputan6.com, Jakarta One of the many programs President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo and his vice Jusuf Kalla have include the better improved economic relations with other nations. In forwarding his intention, President Jokowi met with a number of Indonesian diplomats at the Ministry of Foreign Relations to discuss the future of Indonesian economic diplomacy with other nations, especially neighbouring ones.

 Jokowi shares how when he was the Governor of Jakarta, many ambassadors came to him to discuss large- scale projects. Most of them were offering products from the companies in their country of origin. Jokowi suggests for the diplomats to not pass up or overlook these kind of opportunities.

"In my two years experience of Jakarta Governor, I have met with a number of ambassadors from various countries. Almost 99% of them discussed economic opportunities. This is why economic diplomacy should be prioritised " Jokowi said as he gave an opening speech for the Leadership Meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Relations office, Jakarta, Monday (02/01/2015).

 He further encourages his diplomats to make this so-called economic diplomacy a priority in their agenda. He also demands for these representatives to actively seek for economic/business opportunity rather than being a passive one.

 As for that matter, President Jokowi thinks it is of paramount importance for the Indonesian diplomats to become mobile, active, critical and willing in their duty. This starts with the enhanced ability to seek for business opportunities in the countries where their post at. By doing so, the national economy gradually develop and become improved.

According to Jokowi, the effective movement of the Indonesian economy for partially active to an active one will automatically improve the welfare of the people as they will also develop. This is not a mere speculation as it has been done by several developed countries which led them to the stage of economic success.

 "I think its is important to have diplomats who are able to seek business opportunities at where they are being post at. It may not be easy at first, but those who are socially active and able to communicate with the locals will have big opportunities. That is why I need diplomats with the right skills to do so," Jokowi continued. 

For example, the construction of Mass Rapid Transportation (MRT) in Jakarta immediately attracted foreign investors attention. Many of foreign ambassadors came to see Jokowi in trying to offer cooperation for the construction of it. They offered help, assistance and cooperation in the aspect of the train itself, materials, even other components of the MRT.

 It is clear that many ambassadors are willing to be part of the Indonesian projects that may be good for the economic diplomacy as well as the business relations between Indonesia and the involving countries. However, it is still important for Indonesia to adopt a procedure, starting with a tender so that the President can decide which one is capable of taking responsibility for the project.

 That is why, he is hoping for Indonesian diplomats to help the President in trying to make Indonesian economy a productive one.  (Akp/Ein)