I hope that many more Indonesians will spend their time in US not only to study but also to gain better understanding of the culture in our country."Banten (ANTARA News) - Indonesia will remain an important and strategic partner of US despite significant steps already taken or will be taken in future by the new administration under President Donald Trump, US Ambassador to Indonesia Joseph R Donovan Jr stated.
"Although I cannot predict the future, I can tell you that your country will remain an important and strategic partner of US. For our part, we wish to continue to work with you on a wide range of issues that affect both our nations," Donovan said, in a public lecture at Daar el-Qolam Islamic boarding school, in Tangerang, Banten, on Monday.
During his 10-year service in Indonesia, Donovan was committed to strengthen Americas role as the major importer of Indonesian products, by increasing trade and investment between the two countries in a way that benefits both American and Indonesian workers and companies.
There is a huge potential for American investment in Indonesia in a number of sectors, including the development of clean energy alternatives such as the geothermal sector, which can directly support President Joko Widodos 35 thousand megawatt electricity program.
US firms are also interested in the opportunities in Indonesian aviation sector through cooperation in airport security and infrastructure sector, as well as realizing the direct flights to US from Jakarta.
In his speech, Donovan mentioned about US contribution to help protect Indonesias forests and seas, which are not arguably some of the most biologically diverse ecosystem in the world.
Through USAID, US Millennium Challenge Corporation and other US agencies, Americans are working with their Indonesian partners to help reduce forest fires, restore split lands, protect reefs and reduce ocean trashes.
Last but not least, according to Donovan, the US Embassy in Indonesia has been working hard to increase the number of Indonesian students studying in US universities, community colleges and high schools.
"I hope that many more Indonesians will spend their time in US not only to study but also to gain better understanding of the culture in our country," he noted.
After having achieved success with almost 7 percent growth in the number of Indonesian students studying in US last year, the embassy will continue to encourage more Indonesians to pursue their study in US by holding the upcoming education fairs in Jakarta, Surabaya and Medan.
On the other hand, Donovan hoped to see many more American students come to Indonesia to experience the values of tolerance and diversity that the country has to offer.
"Our countries have so much in common; but unfortunately, we lack sufficient historical people-to-people ties that can help in better understanding across generations. So, I hope this education exchange would do more to create a solution to that problem," former Managing Director of the Washington Office of the American Institute in Taiwan noted.
(Uu.Y013/KR-BSR/A014)
Reporter: Yashinta Difa
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
