| Hakim Hayat |
THE newly appointed Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Dr Sujatmiko said he seeks to expand beyond the strong and warm relations between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Indonesia to a more strategic level for the benefit of both sides, while aiming for deepened economic cooperation to balance the trade deficit between the two neighbouring countries.
On the sidelines of a Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at his official residence in Jalan Kebangsaan Lama yesterday, Dr Sujatmiko, who took over two months ago from his predecessor, Nurul Qomar, shared his vision of the concrete steps to be taken in order to boost trade growth, greater investment and also enhanced connectivity between Brunei and Indonesia.
Oil and gas exports from Brunei accounts for a major share of trade volume between the two countries, but plunging global oil prices have slightly caused a decline in the volume and also a gap in trade balance in the last few years.
“The last two years have seen slight trade surplus in favour of Indonesia, which is a good sign in our continuous efforts to balance the trade between both nations,” said Dr Sujatmiko, adding, “Enhancing connectivity for the movement of goods and people between both countries which have close proximity, is very important for facilitating trade.”
Dr Sujatmiko also mentioned plans to introduce direct shipping links to Brunei for the export of Indonesian products to Brunei, as opposed to the current practice of re-exporting of Indonesian goods to Brunei through neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, which he said doubles the cost of the end product here.
He also affirmed that they are currently in discussions to enhance air connectivity between the two countries, which would allow for more direct flights from Brunei to other tourist destinations in Indonesia, such as Lombok.
“We are seeking for more access for Indonesian airline companies to operate routes from Brunei. The national carrier, Royal Brunei Airlines (RB), currently flies to three Indonesian destinations – Jakarta, Bali and Surabaya,” he said.
With Brunei actively aiming to intensify its economic diversification bid, Dr Sujatmiko said Indonesia is constantly seeking ways to help the Sultanate achieve these goals by increasing trade and inviting more mutual investment between both countries.
He spoke of the vast opportunities that the large and fast-growing Indonesian economy can offer to Bruneian investors.
“There are a lot of investors with huge capital in Brunei, but they cannot invest in the country, because of the small market here, so instead we invite them to Indonesia to invest in vast projects with a larger market access and a huge potential for profits, which can be reinvested in Brunei,” he said.
He cited an example in the wake of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s State Visit to Indonesia in May this year, with the Brunei government looking at the possibility of investing in a new tourism project, ‘10 New Bali’, which is the development of 10 major tourist destinations in Indonesia.
The ambassador, who was also present throughout the State Visit, said both countries have also discussed the potential of deeper cooperation in the area of defence.
Last May, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Retno Marsudi said following the meeting between the two state leaders, they committed to increasing trade by exploring the possible cooperation, trade and investments that can be achieved by both countries.
“Both leaders said the fields of investment with a high potential to be developed are those in fisheries, agriculture, shipping, and ports,” she said. Another potential cooperation on the table is the sale of the main tool product weaponry system (alutsista), made in Indonesia, since Brunei is primarily interested in armoured vehicle personnel carriers and weaponry.
With about 83,000 Indonesian expatriates residing in Brunei Darussalam, Dr Sujatmiko said that his responsibility is also to serve the Indonesian expatriates living and working here.
“We also ensure that we take care of them by protecting their rights … and also reminding them to always abide by the laws and regulations of the country. I meet the Indonesian community here regularly,” he added.
In concluding the interview, Dr Sujatmiko, a seasoned senior government official, who last served at the Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, and spent a few years as the Indonesian Ambassador to Sudan, emphasised that he would like to be a bridge linking the Brunei-Indonesian governments, as well as their businessmen and people, for the benefit of all.