TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Justice and Human Rights Minister Amir Syamsuddin has shared soft diplomacy strategies with president-elect Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.
The minister conveyed the message to Jokowi’s transition team deputy chief Andi Widjajanto during the latter’s visit to his ministry in Jakarta on Wednesday, September 17, 2014.
“I suggest Jokowi make regular calls to kings or presidents of other states although it is only to say hi,” he said in his office on Wednesday.
Amir said keeping in touch with other heads of states was a key diplomatic means that he learned from outgoing President Yudhoyono.
He said that was the very reason why Indonesia could always get immediate response and assistance from other states when dealing with issues related to other countries, including on migrant workers.
“It was evident when our migrant workers were granted clemencies, even escaped capital punishment overseas,” he said.
The chairman of the Democrat Party Honorary Assembly also called on the people to support the incoming Jokowi-JK administration. “Let’s support and pray for the best for Jokowi and Jusuf Kalla,” he said.
RAYMUNDUS RIKANG
