Remarks at State Luncheon with Japan Indonesia Association (JAPINDA) and Japan Jakarta Club (JJC) Delegation

Konnichiwa,
Good afternoon.

Distinguished Members of Japan Indonesia Association(JAPINDA) and Japan Jakarta Club (JCC);
Vice President of JAPINDA, Mr. Kitamura Toshiaki;
Ambassador of Japan to Indonesia, Mr. Masaki Yasushi;
Chairman of the Board of Japan Jakarta Club, Mr.Kikuchihara Shinichi;
And all Members of the JAPINDA Delegation and JCC Members that are present; Distinguished Members of the Indonesian Government, Indonesian Cabinet;
Here joining me to receive you is the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Mr. Airlangga Hartarto;
Foreign Minister, Mr. Sugiono;
Minister of Industry, Mr. Agus Gumiwang;
Minister of State-owned Enterprises, Mr. Erick Thohir, who is also the President of the Indonesian Football Association. I think, more important job;
Also with us today Minister of Energy. (Enggak kelihatan ya? Belum hadir? Oh ya.);
Secretary of the Cabinet, Mr. Teddy Indra Wijaya;
Mr. Arsjad Rasjid and Mr. Anindya Bakrie from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
Mr. Andi Syamsuddin Arsyad, a prominent entrepreneur from Kalimantan;
Mr. Qodari who is my Deputy Presidential Chief of Staff;
Also Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr. Suahasil Nazara, representing Minister of Finance;
And Deputy Minister of Investment, Mr. Todotua Pasaribu;
Also the Director of Technology for Pindad, Prof. Sigit Santosa.

It’s my great honor to welcome you to the State Place here in Indonesia.

Yesterday, I received Delegation of Japan Indonesia Association, led by Mr. Kitamura, representing Mr. Fukuda who can not attend. And we had, I think, a productive meeting yesterday.

As you know, Japan is one of our long-standing partners and a close friend for many, many years. Japanese government and Japanese private sector have been very active in Indonesia. And we value and we really appreciate the participation of Japanese private sector and the Japanese government in supporting and helping us in our economic development and development of our human resources, in the field of education, health, environment, also of course in the field of economy.

Once again, I would like to emphasize that Indonesia is, has been traditionally a nation of trade. For hundreds of years, this archipelago has been open to all nations, all races, all religions. Indonesia for many, many years, even before there was an Indonesia, the tradition here is to welcome guests and to welcome foreigners. That is our tradition, that is our age-old custom. Maybe that is in our DNA. Therefore, the presence of Japanese investors, Japanese corporations are very welcome.

We hope that you will feel also more and more attracted, to be more and more participating in our development.

I have only been in office, I think, today 47 days, today is 47 days yeah, but I already feel very good atmosphere in the cabinet that I lead. We have a good teamwork. The whole cabinet, I think, now is starting to reach all the levels down to inspire, to inculcate spirit of service to the people, most importantly service to the people, clean government, efficient bureaucracy, ambitious goals, daring planning, to dare to face problems, to dare to face obstacles, to dare to solve problems, look for solutions, and to work fast.

The global situation is full of uncertainty, and that’s why Indonesia wants to be a friend to all. We by tradition are non-aligned. We are a friend to all. Our philosophy is 1,000 friends (are) too few, one enemy (is) to many. So, we welcome with open arms.

We are very optimistic. I’ve studied the figures, I’ve studied the potentials. The Almighty has given us a lot of resources. Now, we have to manage the resources well, we have to be smart, think smart, work hard, achieve quick results. Our people want quick results.

I think that is my remarks to you.

We are very optimistic. We will go very fast, we will achieve high targets, we will prove to everybody that Indonesia can do.

Thank you very much.