Diplomats undergoing training at the 75th Foreign Service School (Sesdilu) have actively promoted industrial and Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) products from the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY). This initiative aims to boost exports and regional economic growth. The diplomats employed a strategic approach based on the 5 Basic Principles of Economic Diplomacy: coordinating, facilitating, mediating, educating, and promoting. This strategy involved collaboration with the Regional Government of Yogyakarta (including the Investment and Integrated One-Stop Service Agency, Cooperatives and SMEs Agency, and the Industry and Trade Agency) as well as the Indonesian Representatives in Cairo, Egypt, and Abuja, Nigeria. The focus on Africa and the Middle East is part of an effort to explore and expand the market for national exports, particularly those from DIY. In the face of global uncertainties in recent months, innovative economic diplomacy, including market expansion, becomes crucial.
As a result of this outreach, a Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed between CV Estetika and Hotel Hibiscus in Gabon, Africa, with an initial transaction value of around IDR 56 million. The collaboration signifies an opportunity for CV Estetika to explore new markets beyond its regular exports to America and Europe, potentially aiding the company's economic recovery following a recent decline in export value to the U.S. Simultaneously, diplomats facilitated business matching between CV. Citra Buana Sentosa and Zamzam Tour & Travel for the import of Gudeg Bu Tjitro products into the Egyptian market. Recognizing the potential of Indonesian food among the large Indonesian diaspora in Egypt, the collaboration aims to introduce Gudeg Bu Tjitro to Middle Eastern consumers. Positive responses have been received, with Zamzam Tour & Travel noting favorable feedback from the Egyptian community after distributing product samples. Further discussions will address technicalities, including pricing, shipping processes, and associated costs. The diplomatic efforts of Sesdilu's 75th cohort have garnered positive responses from the DIY Government and local businesses, underscoring the vital role of economic diplomacy and the diplomats' ability to promote Indonesian products in international markets.
