Conglomerate Agus Lasmono Sudwikatmono's Subordinate: Cooperation Doesn't Have To Be Just With Europe, UEA And Africa Is Also Interesting

Candidate for Chairman of Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, Arsjad Rasjid. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Prospective Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce 2021-2026, Arsjad Rasjid reminded the market potential of Middle Eastern and African countries promising in an effort to re-excite Indonesia's foreign trade in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Trade cooperation does not necessarily have to be with Europe. The Middle East and Africa also have a great opportunity, especially Saudi Arabia wants to bring in many investors because of the capital relocation project," said Arsjad Rasjid in Jakarta on Thursday, in the middle of the book launch event "Duta Antara Dua Kutub" by the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Indonesia, Esam Abid Althagafi.

Arsjad Rasjid who is also President Director of PT. Indika Energy Tbk, a company owned by conglomerate Agus Lasmono Sudwikatmono, stressed that investors are one of the factors that can improve Indonesia's economy, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, with the Copyright Act, Arsjad considers it will make it easier for foreign investors to enter and expand employment for Indonesians.

Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Indonesia, Esam Abid Althagafi said he had coordinated with the Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia, Muhammad Lutfi to visit Saudi businessmen to Indonesia.

And vice versa. Now, Saudi Arabia has opened opportunities for Indonesian entrepreneurs to set up businesses in Saudi Arabia that support the running of hajj and umrah.

In addition, the Government of Saudi Arabia is now building a new city called "Neom", which is intended as a city to attract tourism. Later, Saudi Arabia issued visas no longer just for worship, but for tourists.

By 2030, the Government of Saudi Arabia also plans to increase the quota of pilgrims and umrah which was originally only 2 to 4 million, to 10 million. This quota will be prioritized for pilgrims from Indonesia.

"Cooperation between the two countries will certainly have a significant impact, both in the economic and tourism sectors. The wheels of the economy are expected to be able to turn back in the middle of this pandemic mainly with the arrival of various investors," said Esam Abid Althagafi.

On that occasion, Esam Abid Althagafi also expressed support for Arsjad Rasjid to lead the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce for the period 2021 - 2026.

12 Ambassadors of Middle Eastern and African countries attended the launch of the book "Duta Antara Dua Kutub" written directly by Saudi Arabia's Ambassador Esam Abid AL Thagafi. Those present included the Ambassadors of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Morocco, Palestine, Yemen, Bahrain, Jordan, Tunisia, Mauritania, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

In the book launch attended by Wahid Foundation Director Zannuba Arifah Chafsoh (Yenny Wahid) appreciated the publication of the book by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Indonesia Esam Abid Al Thagafi. The existence of the book illustrates how strategic the position of diplomats in building human civilization and the world.

"This is an interesting book, full of messages and a passion for the common good at the global level," said Yenny Wahid.

Therefore, he continued, this book needs to be welcomed with the spirit of increased cooperation between Indonesia and other Middle Eastern countries in various fields.

He then revealed that the spirit of the common good is also illustrated by the many diplomats and leaders of Middle Eastern countries he has encountered so far. In particular, Yenny continued, they are actively promoting the global anti-radicalism movement by promoting a spirit of tolerance and interfaith dialogue.

"At least that's what I captured from the results of a fairly intense communication during this time with him. The vision of world leaders is not only worthy of appreciation but also should be an inspiration," said Hedayah's Advisor, a research institute (think tank) in Abu Dhabi engaged in counter-radicalism.

Yenny underlined that the global anti-radicalism movement does not stand alone. The issue is actually in line with the target of economic development and the welfare of the global community.

"The issue of anti-radicalism and the economy is like two sides of the currency, in line and affecting each other," said the daughter of the 4th president of the Republic of Indonesia KH. Abdurrahman Wahid.