President Yudhoyono urged all parties to promote the synergy among the Indonesian diaspora, the government and the Indonesian community.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian diaspora community spread across the world is a national asset because its members are not only friends but also part of the country, according to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
"I vividly remember saying last year that members of the Indonesian diaspora community must not be treated as foreigners during their visit home. That is because they are members of the Indonesian nation as long as their heart is in Indonesia and the blood flowing through their veins is Indonesian," he said while addressing the opening of the 2nd Congress of Indonesian Diaspora on Monday.
On the occasion, President Yudhoyono urged all parties to promote the synergy among the Indonesian diaspora, the government and the Indonesian community.
He identified three kinds of synergy with regard to diaspora community members and other entities in the country, the first being among members of the global diaspora community, the second between the diaspora community and the central and regional governments, and the third between members of the diaspora and local community.
President Yudhyono said there are 55 chapters of Indonesia Diaspora Network in 26 countries at present, pointing out that although the community is growing, there is a pressing need to put in place a mechanism to ensure improved communication between members of the community.
He also reiterated that Indonesia is implementing a Master Plan for Acceleration of Indonesia Economic Development (MP3DI) program to build six corridors, which involves an investment of US$400 billion.
"I invite Indonesia diaspora members to take part in this effort. Therefore, the government has eased applications for visa and permanent residence through Government Regulation Number 31 of 2013,� President Yudhyono explained.
He highlighted the importance of improved communication not only between the government and the diaspora community, but also between community members.
The 2nd Congress --the first was held last year in Los Angeles, United States-- was attended by 6,000 diaspora members.
According to Foreign minister Marty Natalegawa, there are some five million Indonesian citizens living and working overseas currently, with Indonesian diaspora numbers reaching eight million worldwide.
He said the community could play a big role in making Indonesia a developed country by its 100th independence anniversary in 2045.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
