News
On 6 February, a delegation of 22 young Indonesian diplomats visited the OECD Headquarters in Paris. In the stylish Chateau de la Muette , they received informative briefings about the work of the OECD and its relations with Indonesia and ASEAN. Views on the Indonesian economy and the country’s Economic Survey, published by the OECD every two years, were exchanged. The OECD visit was part of the ‘European Tour’ of the diplomats, who are following an eight week course ‘’Indonesia in World Politics” at the Clingendael Institute.
Key Partners
The group was welcomed by Ms. Carla Boonstra, Counsellor at the Netherlands Permanent Representation to the OECD. She gave an explanation on the history, mission and structure of the OECD and on the role of the Permanent Representations. After this general introduction, Senior Advisor Ms. Malory Greene of the Global Relations Secretariat informed the group about OECD cooperation with Indonesia, one of its five key partners. The upcoming opening of an OECD country office in Jakarta is testimony of the importance which the organization attaches to Indonesia and South East Asia. The OECD Southeast Asia Regional Programme (which will be further refined during the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Forum in Bali on 25 and 26 March 2014) aims to bring the relationship of OECD and Southeast Asian countries to a new, more strategic level, creating more permanent structures for the exchange of good policy practices.
Myths about the Indonesian Economy
Data collection and analysis being one of the strengths of the OECD, the final briefing focused on the Indonesian economy. In 2014, a third Economic Survey will be published on Indonesia, emphasizing sustainable growth and natural resources. In his presentation, OECD Economist Mr Richard Dutu dismantled two myths on the Indonesian economy; the first one suggesting that the Indonesian economy is unstable, and the second one claiming that Indonesian economic growth is export driven. Still, uncertainty among investors persists and views are reconsidered due to the upcoming Indonesian presidential elections later this year.
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Junior Diplomats in one of the conference room of the Chateau de la Muette
The OECD visit, together with the other visits which the group had during the week both in Brussels and Paris, provided an excellent opportunity for discussion among policy makers, policy advisors and diplomats. The gained insights and the acquired contacts will certainly be beneficial to the young diplomats of Indonesia and their future careers.