"We need a translator who can master many languages. A translator education and training program is needed, not only in English, French and German, but also in other languages," he said here on Thursday.
The president has asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs Marty Natalegawa to coordinate with the Ministry of Education and Culture over his plan, considering that Indonesia will have in near future a language center in Sentul, Bogor.
"It is urgent to produce as many interpreters as possible," he said.
He said this in front of about 130 Indonesian representatives for overseas countries, and added that the lack of interpreters from Indonesia in every presidential state visit often made the head of state use the host country`s translator.
The President said that it was not a wise decision considering the use of foreign translators may have an impact in international relations in case there was a misunderstanding.
"It could turn into a diplomatic scandal later," he said.
Earlier, Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa said that the country currently has 130 representatives abroad, which consists of 118 old representatives and 11 new, in addition to the reopening of Indonesian Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.
The Foreign Minister said the presence of 130 Indonesian representatives overseas and the United Nations shows the country's broad foreign policy range.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
