President Jokowi Raises Gender, Economic Issues at a Meeting with New Zealand’s Governor General

President Joko Widodo meets Governor General of New Zealand Dame Patsy Reddy at Government House, Wellington, Monday (19/3) (Photo by: BPMI)

The issue of gender equality can be the glue of relationship between Indonesia and New Zealand. This was enunciated by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in his remarks when he met Governor General of New Zealand Dame Patsy Reddy at Government House, Wellington, Monday (19/3).

“I have been informed of Her Excellency’s interest in gender equality. Although our population is predominantly Muslim, women’s advancement in Indonesia is remarkable,” the President said.

Furthermore, the President said that he was also a champion in the “HeForShe” campaign. It is a movement launched by UN Women, an organization of the UN dealing with gender equality and empowerment since 2014.

“I have 8 female ministers out of 34 ministers and each of them holds strategic portfolio,” the President continued.

In addition to common vision on gender equality issues, the President noted that Indonesia and New Zealand are also archipelagic countries. With this geographical condition, President Jokowi added, connectivity issues become crucial.

“With such geographical condition, infrastructure development and connectivity are my priorities, so that all regions in Indonesia can experience the results of development,” said the President.

President Jokowi also said that the relationship between Indonesia and New Zealand goes well because the relationship is based on two principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit.

Therefore, the President said, this good relationship should be filled with various cooperation, including in the fields of economy and people-to-people contact. The energy sector, especially geothermal, for example, is one of the areas of cooperation that has long been carried out by Indonesia and New Zealand. This cooperation itself has been established since 1970, including the construction of power plant.

The last issue mentioned by the President in his speech is the inter-community cooperation or people-to-people contact. 1,290 out of 5,500 Indonesians living in New Zealand are students who are currently studying at various schools and universities.

“Thank you for treating Indonesian citizens and students well,” said the President. At the end of his speech, the President also invited David Gascoigne who is the husband of Governor General Patsy Reddy to come to Indonesia.

“I am sure His Excellency would love Indonesia, which has a lot of cultural diversity and arts. I look forward to your visit to Indonesia,” the President concluded. (BPMI/EN) (GWH/MMB/Naster)