"As Indonesia has been part of the G20 states, we have to stop feeling inferior. We must stop seeking grants (from foreign countries)," the president stated.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) called on all Indonesian representatives overseas, including the ambassadors, to stop seeking foreign grants during a work meeting here, Monday.

"As Indonesia has been part of the G20 states, we have to stop feeling inferior. We must stop seeking grants (from foreign countries)," the president stated in his opening remarks during the work meeting of Indonesian ambassadors at the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Jakarta.

Indonesia now, Jokowi noted, must start helping other countries.

During the meeting, which was attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi and Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto, the president emphasized that Indonesia was one of the great countries in the world.

Among the G20 members, Indonesia has ranked third or fourth in terms of economic growth.

"If we still consider ourselves inferior, we will never grow to be a great nation. Hence, now in every summit and conference, I have asked our foreign affairs minister to always sit next to the leaders. Do not ever take seats in the corner," the president stressed.

When taking pictures, the president also asked the ambassadors to stand next to the leaders.

On a similar occasion, the president stated that all Indonesian representatives should make economic diplomacy their top priority.

"We have to be more serious about penetrating non-traditional markets. Following my visits to the South Asian countries, I understand that we have not yet optimized other markets that have huge potential," he stated, referring to Pakistan and Bangladesh.

In the next exhibitions, the president has asked the diplomats to showcase a large and attractive Indonesia booth.

"We should not be overpowered by Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines, mainly in terms of exports and investments. I stress one more time, Indonesia is the only G20 country in Southeast Asia," Jokowi noted.

Hence, the president called on his ministries and other offices to launch more innovative moves to boost exports and investments.

Reported by Agus Salim
(UU.KR-GNT/A/KR-BSR/A014)

Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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