Page 3707 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 28 October 2014
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stabilisation of Indonesian democracy. President Widodo’s new ministry, sworn in this week, includes eight women, one of whom, Retno Marsudi, now the foreign minister, was once stationed in Canberra as a diplomat. I am sure all Australians look forward with high hopes for President Widodo’s term in office and our countries building on the relationship established during Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s 10-year presidency.
The warmth of the Indonesian people was obvious at the Indonesia Fair and reflected that Indonesia is already a significant cultural and trading partner with Canberra.
We also have a strong and vibrant Indonesian community of expats, businesspeople, students and embassy staff here in Canberra. They have helped us to build the important relationship with Indonesia locally and kept us aware of the rich diversity of Indonesian culture. We also develop and strengthen our social and economic ties through opportunities such as the trade expo. I look forward to more Canberra entrepreneurs investing in Indonesia and more Indonesian entrepreneurs exploring the opportunities here in Canberra. The displays at the fair showed the diversity of Indonesian arts and craft and manufacturing across the Indonesian provinces and the thousands of islands.
In his inauguration address, President Widodo spoke of the importance of Indonesia’s maritime history and rebuilding its maritime trade. One of the very impressive displays at the fair was a massive port development displaying sophisticated engineering and project management skills.
This is an exciting time for the relationship between our two nations, and I hope Canberrans will share in the growth in the relationship socially, culturally and economically.
A recent survey of Australians asked people if they had been to Indonesia. They were then asked if they had been to Bali, and the percentage answering yes increased greatly. About 30 per cent of Australians do not realise that Bali is part of Indonesia. This was commented on at the fair, which aimed at doing its bit to help us realise the diversity of the many provinces of Indonesia and that the country is much more than just Bali, Java or Jakarta.
I thank His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia for his support for the fair as an important business and cultural collaboration. I thank also the heads of delegations from Indonesian provinces who chose to showcase their country’s wonderful attractions here in Canberra. I look forward to the Indonesia Fair becoming an annual event here in Canberra. Terima kasih.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
The Assembly adjourned at 4.56 pm.
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