Cabinet Secretariat Holds Webinar on Strengthening Indonesian Representatives Abroad

Photo Caption: Deputy Cabinet Secretary for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Purnomo Sucipto in the event, Tuesday (12/10). (Photo by: PR/Agung)

Cabinet Secretariat’s Deputy Cabinet Secretary for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs on 12-13 October 2021 held a Webinar adopting the theme “Strengthening Indonesian Representatives through Diplomacy Enhancement to Achieve National Interest”.

The webminar aims to identify and summarize inputs from experts and practitioners to create reliable and effective Indonesian representatives abroad.

“The webinar is important for almost all of participants are stakeholders in strengthening Indonesian representatives,” Deputy Cabinet Secretary for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Purnomo Sucipto said in Jakarta, Wednesday (13/10).

According to Purnomo, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has ordered Indonesian Representatives to become an extension of the Central Government.

“We realize that the task of Indonesian Representatives abroad is not easy, especially with the current uncertain conditions. However, we must overcome all challenges to fight for national interests,” Purnomo added.

In the meantime, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahendra Siregar—who was present at the event as a keynote speaker—underscored the importance of the Government performance, including diplomacy, to respond to the world world full of disruption.

“We hope that the Government can also continue to encourage the process of bureaucratic reform, followed by deregulation, to make the Indonesian Government agile and adaptive,” Mahendra said.

Mahendra further said that Ministry of Foreign Affairs is constantly make changes and adjustments—both in its ministry organization and the Indonesian Representatives abroad, totaling 132 embassies, permanent representatives at the United Nations and in ASEAN, as well as consulate general and consulate offices—to respond the challenges.

In addition, Mahendra also emphasized the importance and the role of Indonesian Representatives for the course of Indonesian diplomacy, especially in protecting state sovereignty, protecting Indonesian citizens and Indonesian legal entities abroad, enhancing economic and maritime diplomacy, and enhancing the country’s role in the region and internationally.

Citing the President’s directives on the Working Meeting of All Heads of Indonesian Representatives in early 2020, Mahendra urged the representatives to actively give their support to boost the country’s economic growth.

“Ambassadors, Consulate Generals, and Consulates are not only peace ambassadors, but also investment and export ambassadors,” he remarked. (DND/TGH/UN) (GWH/EP)