Sutiyoso briefs diplomats

Sutiyoso briefs diplomats

JAKARTA (JP): In an effort to boost foreign investment in the
capital, Governor Sutiyoso told 24 new Indonesian diplomats on
Wednesday to help cultivate a positive image of Jakarta among the
international community.

"Jakarta, as in other parts of the country, really needs
foreign investment to help the economic recovery," he told the
diplomats at City Hall.

The diplomats are undergoing an orientation program before
departing for their respective destinations. Those included in
the program are 10 ambassadors, one charge d'affaires, six consul
generals and seven deputy chefs de mission.

The governor emphasized the importance of creating an image of
Jakarta as a safe city that is favorable for investment.

"The problem is that we will always deal with residents
working as street vendors and becak (pedicab) drivers.

"Yet the city administration will continue to uphold public
order with new approaches to minimize conflict with residents,"
he said.

Sutiyoso recalled that several foreign ambassadors had met
with him and threatened to leave the capital if security was not
improved following the May 1998 riots.

The governor said he was confident Jakarta could attract
investors and tourists if their security was guaranteed.

"We can promote Jakarta as long as we can improve the
situation here," he said, adding the diplomats could also help
promote the sister-city program in the cities in which they will
reside.

The diplomats are slated to leave Indonesia by the end of
April. Among them are East Timor prointegration leader F.X. Lopez
da Cruz, who will serve as an ambassador to Greece; former Air
Force chief of staff Air Marshall (ret) Sutria Tubagus, who will
serve as an ambassador to Thailand; and former president
Soeharto's English translator, Widodo Sutiyo, who will be
dispatched to serve as an ambassador to the Vatican. (nvn)