UNAIR NEWS – H.E. Al Busyra Basnur as Indonesian Ambassador to the African Union, Ethiopia and Djibouti said that it is the right time for the millennials to recognize opportunities for cooperation and business in the African region and beyond. There are some challenges and problems that millennials must pay attention to.
A material on “Opportunities and Challenges of Millennial Generation in Increasing Indonesia-Africa Cooperation” was presented in a guest lecture titled Africa Now! held in Adi Sukadana Room, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) Universitas Airlangga. The guest lecture was attended by international relations students as well as African exchange students.
Briefly, H.E. Al Busyra said that most Indonesian people now have misconceptions about African countries, especially Ethiopia. It came from the view that Ethiopia is a country with poverty. In fact, over the last few decades, Ethiopia has turned into one of the countries with the highest economic growth rates in Africa.
Also, it is essential to realize that in recent years large Indonesian companies have begun to place Africa as a strategic area for export activities. These products include instant noodles, bath soap, clothing brands, and other products.
“Indonesian products in Africa that are most sought after by the upper class and expensive are BHS cloths. I have already prepared one for the African foreign affairs minister in case we meet later, “he said.
With these facts, Al Busyra explained that millennial generation must start reading opportunities in diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Africa. It is not only the products of large companies that can reach the African market, but the creative industry is also able to compete and gain popularity in the hearts of the people in African continent.
Therefore, to improve trade relations and diplomatic cooperation between Indonesia and Africa, Al Busyra urged all millennials to be able to read the opportunity. Especially by understanding and getting to know African culture and markets.
“From Southeast Asia, Indonesia is the only country with an embassy in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia’s capital, ed). This is an advantage because the place is a strategic entry gate for the export of Indonesian products, “he said.
At the end of the event, Al Busyra advised UNAIR students to continue to play an active role and embrace Africa as a close friend. Both in terms of economics, politics, education, and culture. That way, in the future, relations between the two countries can continue to develop in a better direction. (*)
Author: Intang Arifia
Editor: Feri Fenoria Rifa’i
