Indonesian President, Mr. Joko Widodo (Jokowi), visited Brunei Darussalam on 8 February 2015. Brunei Darussalam was the first country that he visited in his official introductory visitation as a President. Mr. Jokowi says to Brunei’s King, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, that Brunei has an important role for Indonesia, He also feels lucky to have Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah as a collegue whose really loved by His citizens. Mr. Jokowi also believe that Brunei’s vision 2035 can be achieved under Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Leadership.
In this visitation, both leader agreed that they want to boost economic ties between the two countries. This agreement will be a beginning in order to make “solid, balanced and sustainable” trade volume. Brunei and Indonesia already have a strong ties in many sectors, such as: manpower, defence and education. Mr. Jokowi said both country can also develop their bilateral relationship in other sectors such as: tourism, sports and youth cooperation.
Indonesia and Brunei signed two MoU on health and trade cooperation. Representing Brunei’s Government at the signing of the MoU on health cooperation was Minister of Health Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Adanan Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Mohd Yusof, otherwise Indonesia’s Government was represented by Minister of Health Nila Djuwita Anfasa Moeloek. Meanwhile, the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Brunei Darussalam (NCCIBD) and the Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) signed the MoU on trade and investment improvement. Suryo Bambang Sulisto, Chairman of KADIN, says in order to make this MoU works well, one of the most important thing to do is by increasing information-sharing. “Our two chambers have not really worked that closely before, even though we have known each other for some time,” he said.
Despite his busy itinerary, the Indonesian president spoke to Indonesian workers in Brunei Darussalam at Indonesian Embassy. Joko Widodo was greeted on arrival with a thundering applause from hundreds of Indonesians as his presidential motorcade made its way to the embassy. He told the community to work hard in Brunei but not forget their homeland. He reminded them of millions back home that are currently unemployment and urged them to take the oppurtunity to improve their standar of living while working in Brunei.
During a question and answer session, a women said the burden of repaying, recruitment fees that can run as high as $2,000 was to much, when she only earned a salary of a few hundred BnD (Brunei Currency) for a month.
The president also heard some grievances voiced by the Indonesian workers, including salary and other labour issues. It was closed door meeting and media was not allowed inside. (Ag,Rd)
