“The solidarity of Indonesian diaspora was clearly seen from the beginning of the pandemic,” she remarked at the 6th Global Indonesian Diaspora Network Congress held virtually on Saturday.
She revealed that 132 Indonesian representative offices overseas have worked together with Indonesian diaspora communities to assist Indonesian nationals affected by the pandemic.
The cooperation resulted in a total of 750 thousand food packages being delivered to Indonesians across the globe, and up until today, 230 thousand Indonesians have returned home, she revealed.
She put emphasis on the importance of solidarity and unity in facing the pandemic by including Indonesian diaspora communities living overseas.
“I hope this solidarity and unity can continue to be strengthened,” Marsudi said.
Aside from protection for Indonesians overseas, the contribution of diaspora is also needed in developing the country’s independence, especially in terms of health security, she added.
In this context, during this pandemic, many children of the nation living abroad have contributed to efforts towards building Indonesia's health resilience, she noted.
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She emphasized that it is important to ensure that Indonesia, as a nation, is capable of developing its pharmaceutical industry, medicines and raw materials for medicines, as well as vaccinations and medical devices.
Economic recovery, which is also a factor for efforts to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, is also an area in which the diaspora can contribute and provide solutions, Marsudi said.
“What is also very important is the contribution of the Indonesian diaspora in supporting economic recovery. There is a substantial opportunity for the Indonesian diaspora to contribute to efforts in recovering the economy; they can support efforts to open and expand the reach of Indonesian exports," she suggested.
The Foreign Minister also emphasized the importance of paying attention to micro, small, and medium enterprises in such endeavors.
The government has also invited the Indonesian diaspora communities to invest and participate in promoting investment opportunities in the country, she revealed.
"Let us show that the Indonesian diaspora is part of the solution, let us always instill a can-do mindset, be adaptive and innovative in responding to situations," she remarked.
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Reporter: Aria Cindyara
Editor: Suharto
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