Indonesian diaspora can help boost exports: Jokowi

JAKARTA. During a recent meeting with representatives of the Indonesian Diaspora Global Network's executive committee, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo conveyed his hope that the Indonesian diaspora could strengthen their role in supporting the government overseas.

“The president hopes that the Indonesian diaspora can work together with the government in terms of improving exports and attracting foreign investment to Indonesia,” Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi said on Monday.

For example, the Indonesian diaspora in Mexico were to cooperate in paving the way for Indonesia to enter the local coal export market. “Mexico has been partnering with Australia for coal exports; we too can try to export our coal to Mexico,” added Retno.

The second point President Jokowi made during the meeting was about strengthening the relationship between the Indonesian diaspora communities in different countries as well as with the government.

Jokowi also hopes that the diaspora can help promote tourism in Indonesia, especially since the country’s credit rating has recently been raised to investment grade by Standard & Poor's Global Ratings.

“The investment grade makes it easier to attract foreign investors to Indonesia,” Retno said.