REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), under newly-appointed minister Retno Marsudi, will write marketing guidelines for diplomats who serve overseas. These guidelines will be formulated to support the expansion of access of Indonesian products to international markets.
"In the economic sector, we aim to expand the access of Indonesian products to markets abroad. Therefore, MOFA will write economic diplomacy guidelines for all Indonesian diplomatic envoys in foreign countries," Minister of Foreign Affairs Marsudi stated during her first press conference at the Pancasila Building in the office of the MOFA here on Wednesday.
According to Marsudi, a change in the mindset of Indonesian diplomats was needed to achieve this aim of economic diplomacy.
"Indonesian diplomats have to change their mindset with regard to economic diplomacy. They have to engage in fieldwork and 'blusukan' too," she said, referring to President Jokowi's choice of word for impromptu visits to offices of the ministries.
Therefore, Marsudi has some strategic plans prepared to enhance Indonesian economic diplomacy. These include working closely with the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) and Tourism Ministry, improving the capability of human resources, maximizing on the potential of the ASEAN Economic Community, and encouraging comprehensive and strategic partnerships with other countries.
"Since I just returned from the Netherlands, I will mention it in an example. Indonesia and the Netherlands have a strategic partnership that focuses on trade, investment, water management, food security, and infrastructure," she noted.
Besides the economic side, Marsudi also highlighted MOFA's strategic plan on political and cultural diplomacy.
Appointed by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo in his working cabinet for 2014-2019, Marsudi is Indonesia's first female foreign affairs minister. Before assuming office at the MOFA, Marsudi served as the Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands.
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