Indonesian President Joko Widodo (R) shakes hands with quake survivors at one of temporary shelter in Pidie Jaya, Aceh province, on December 9, 2016 (Photo: GATHA GINTING / AFP)
President Joko Widodo wasawarded for his leadership by the Indonesian Diaspora Network Global (IDN Global) duringthe 4th Indonesian Diaspora Congress. The award itself was scheduled to be handed over to Jokowi by nine IDN Global Executive Boards from various countries, today at the State Palace.
IDN Middle East & Africa Vice President Ali Musthofa said that the Award for Meritorious Leadership was addressed to Jokowi as an appreciation for the president's attention and dedication to the Indonesian diaspora.
"This award is also given for the President Joko Widodo's endeavor in establishing a synergy between the diaspora and the country which was the major theme of this year's congress," said an American diaspora Butce Lie.
IDN Global Secretary General Yenni Thamrin sawJokowi as a pro-diaspora figure who takes effort to pay attention to the diaspora's wellbeing and aspiration during his internationalvisits.
"He often appealed to the diaspora of Indonesia to be able to contribute more to the country," said Yenni.
Philippines IDN Chairman Said Zaidansyah mentioned the award will be signed by IDN deputies who attended the 4th Indonesian Diaspora Congress in Jakarta.
Former Foreign Affairs Minister Dino Patti Djalal who also heads the IDN Global Board of Trustee and is the Chairmanof the 4th Committee of the Indonesian Diaspora Congress mentioned that this year's congress isIndonesia's largest diaspora event since it was firstly held in Los Angeles in 2012. Around 9,000 participants were registered at the opening event, including the Indonesian diaspora of 52 countries.
(brl/red)
