EXCLUSIVE: Indonesian President’s Advisor: ‘We have a long history with Egypt’

CAIRO – 30 October 2017: “Cairo and Jakarta are both able to achieve more economic growth, which will be reflected in their economic cooperation,” Sri Adiningsih, the Indonesian president’s advisor, stated to Egypt Today.

Before Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s upcoming visit to Egypt, Egypt Today interviewed Sri Adiningsih, chairperson of the Indonesian Presidential Advisory Council, during her last visit to Cairo. Adiningsih emphasized the depth and importance of relations between the two countries on different levels, including political, cultural, social and educational levels.

Cairo and Jakarta are celebrating 70 years since the formal beginning of their diplomatic relations in 1947 on Monday, a year after Egyptian recognition of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence on November 18, 1946. Later in 1949, the Indonesian Embassy was opened, taking the historical relations between the two countries to new levels, and relations with Indonesia are still strong to this day.

“Commercial exchange between Egypt and Indonesia forms approximately one percent of the volume of Indonesia’s foreign trade. We are working to further economic cooperation between the two countries,” Adiningsih stated.

Egypt Today has included the full interview below.

How do you evaluate Egyptian-Indonesian relations today? How can relations be fostered in the future?

Generally, I see close cooperation between the two countries on different political, cultural, social and educational levels. Egyptian-Indonesian relations have a long history and are very important. As for economic relations, although they are still not up to par due to global economic instability and changing prices of different goods, we can say that there is improvement in this aspect of relations, albeit slight.

These economic difficulties pose a challenge to the two countries’ bilateral relations. However, they both have the ability to achieve further economic growth, which will be reflected in their economic cooperation, and will benefit both Egyptian and Indonesian people.

Indonesian and Egyptian economies are growing. This will lead to enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the future.

How about cooperation on the touristic level?

We hope to see more Egyptians visiting Indonesia, especially since more Indonesians are interested in visiting Egypt and the Middle East in general.

Do you believe further efforts need to be carried out to enhance cooperation in this all-important field?

Both countries have amazing tourist attractions. That is why I believe more promotional campaigns by the two countries’ ambassadors, as well as cultural exchange between them will attract more Egyptian tourists to Indonesia and vice versa.

In addition, each country’s tourist attractions are different. For example, in Indonesia there is a great number of islands, that is 17,000 islands. It has clear waters and beautiful landscapes, making it an excellent tourist destination for Egyptians.

Are there efforts to start offering direct flights between Cairo and Jakarta?

This is a very important issue. To this day there aren’t enough number of flights. However, I hope direct flights are offered between the two countries in order to facilitate air travel, like direct flights between Indonesia and Asian countries.

If there are direct flights between Cairo and Jakarta, this will bring more Egyptian investments and tourists to Indonesia, and more Indonesian tourists to Egypt.

Are there efforts exerted by the Indonesian government to bring more Egyptian tourists to Indonesia?

Absolutely. The Ambassador organized a Tourism Fair last September. We also have other initiatives. Of course, I hope for more promotional campaigns to highlight Indonesia’s beauty and culture, in order to bring more tourists.

Currently, what is the volume of commercial exchange between Egypt and Indonesia? Are you satisfied with it?

The volume of commercial trade between the two countries has grown, albeit slowly. Commercial exchange between Egypt and Indonesia currently represents approximately 1 percent of Indonesian foreign trade volume. However, as I already said, the Indonesian economy is growing and so is the Egyptian economy. This will lead to more commercial exchange and further cooperation between the two countries.

Recently, the Indonesian Embassy in Cairo organized the Expo Indonesia 2017 Fair in Cairo and Alexandria, which was a step to achieve further economic cooperation between the two countries.

I hope for more efforts to promote commercial exchange between the two countries in Egypt and in Indonesia.

In terms of economy; how can the Egyptian economy follow the Indonesian model in advancement?

I generally believe that problems facing the Egyptian economy are similar to those previously faced by the Indonesian economy. Solving these problems has to do with promoting the country’s competitive advantage and competitiveness on a global level.
Indonesia worked hard to enhance its competitiveness. We succeeded at ranking up in the World Bank Index from 106 to 91. Indonesia then became one of the largest growing economies.

We are still endeavoring to further enhance our competitiveness. According to the Global Competitiveness Report issued by the World Economic Forum, Indonesia moved five ranks up, from 41 to 36. We are hoping to further promote our competitiveness. This is what the economic reform plan in Egypt should focus on, so that Egypt is better able to compete in global markets.

Political relations between the two countries became more powerful, as their representatives exchanged visits, the last of which was President Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi’s historic visit to Jakarta in 2015. The visit opened the door for strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries again and in a number of areas, like trade and the economy primarily. In addition, the strength of the two countries’ relations shows their mutual understanding as they promote each other’s representation in different international events.

Adiningsih is one of the most well-renowned and respected politicians in Indonesia. She was born in 1960. She has great expertise in the world of international economy and also works as a professor in the Faculty of Economics in Gadjah Mada University.

Adiningsih has served as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council since January 19, 2015, and was appointed as a member of the Committee of Parliament Experts in 2001. She was later elected as Secretary of the Constitutional Committee. Adiningsih currently serves as chairperson of the Indonesian Presidential Advisory Council.

The Chairperson of the Indonesian Presidential Advisory Council heads members of the Council, which was established through a presidential decree by former President Susilo Bambang on March 26, 2007. The council held its first session on April 10, 2007.