Indonesia Holds 'Pacific Exposition' Again, Ambassador Tantowi: Opens Eastern Indonesia Market

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government through the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in New Zealand, again held the 'Pacific Exposition', a trade, investment, and tourism exhibition that comprehensively brings together business people from all countries in the Pacific region including Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Held on 27-30 October, the event, which is being held for the second time, will carry the theme It's Pacific Time. Unlike the 1st Pacific Exposition (PE1) which was held offline in 2019, the 2nd Pacific Exposition (PE 2) will be held virtually, considering the COVID-19 pandemic.

"In addition to exhibitions, PE 2 will be filled with high-level forums that discuss fisheries and health issues. PE 1 has succeeded in bringing in more than 5000 visitors and printing business transactions of more than IDR 1.04 trillion", explained the Indonesian Ambassador to New Zealand, Tantowi Yahya, in a virtual press statement, Wednesday, June 23.

After the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic for more than 18 months, this activity will provide fresh air for the recovery of the Indonesian economy and also the Pacific region, which mostly depends on tourism.

"For this reason, PE 2 can be seen as an effort by the Indonesian government to jumpstart the Pacific region's economy. PE 2 is also a manifestation of the initiation of the Pacific Elevation diplomacy umbrella initiated by Indonesia since 2019", said Tantowi.

He further explained that six Indonesian provinces will participate in this activity, namely Papua, West Papua, Maluku, North Maluku, North Sulawesi, and East Nusa Tenggara.

According to Tantowi, Indonesia will get concrete benefits from the implementation of the Pacific Exposition because the flow of goods and people between Eastern Indonesia and the neighboring Pacific region continues to increase.

"Pacific Exposition exists to open market access for the Eastern Indonesia Region, which is known for its economic progress, both in the form of goods and services, such as tourism", he said.

"If in PE 1 we manage to bring in more than 5,000 visitors and book business transactions worth more than IDR 1.04 trillion. For PE 2, we are at least targeting the same amount. We are optimistic because there is no limit on exhibitors, which we think will be more from the first to be held physically", said Ambassador Tantowi.

He added, in addition to trade fairs and business matching, PE 2 will also carry several forums, including The Pacific Talk, Trade and Investment Forum, Tourism Forum, Health Forum, and Fisheries Forum. These forums will bring together ministers, officials, and experts who are experienced in dealing with related issues from both Indonesia and Pacific countries.