JAKARTA – Indonesian Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) on Thursday (16/5) received a visit from the Legislative Council of Hong Kong (Legco) in its office and held a meeting related to increasing cooperation between Indonesia and Hong Kong.
During the meeting, DPD RI hoped that the visit could be an important momentum in strengthening relations between Indonesia, Hong Kong, and the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
“Indonesia, PRC, and Hong Kong have established strong cooperation in various fields over the years, such as trade, investment and culture,” said Vice Chairman of DPD RI Nono Sampono.
“We see that this good economic and social connection will continue to develop to emphasize the ongoing commitment of both parties to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields,” he continued.
The senator from Maluku also said that the visit reflected the importance of strengthening cooperation between DPD RI and Legco of Hong Kong, especially to deepen understanding of important issues facing the two regions in the future.
These issues include the investment and trade sectors that allow investment in various regions.
Second, in dealing with non-traditional security threats such as transnational crime. Third, the protection of Indonesian migrant workers.
Fourth, the exchange of local government experience and the implementation of special regions. Last, it’s about the development of cultural and educational cooperation.
“We are committed to continuing to strengthen the relationship in the context of One China Policy and One Country, Two Systems given the huge economic and social benefits for Indonesia, China, and Hong Kong, but also contribute to addressing complex global challenges,” Nono said.
During the meeting, Chairman of the Parliamentary Cooperation Committee (BKSP) of DPD RI Darmansyah Husein said that the two institutions could establish a closer relationship to strengthen the achievements and challenges faced in the future, such as issues of labor protection, investment, trade, education and training, and tourism in various regions in Indonesia.
“If possible, form a kind of friendship group that aims to exchange information and experience in organizing legislative, budgetary, and supervisory functions as well as exchanging information on culture, tourism, and education-training,” the Senator from Bangka Belitung added.
In line, Vice Chairwoman of BKSP of DPD RI Maya Rumantir said the existence of the friendship group could be a bridge of communication between the two institutions in mutually beneficial cooperation, especially for the regions.
“In the early stages, it may not need many members, but it is enough to be a forum to communicate the interests of the two parties through the friendship group,” she explained.
On the other hand, President of the Hong Kong Legislative Council Andrew Leung welcomed the strengthening of cooperation between the two institutions.
He considered that Indonesia is one of the largest countries in ASEAN and the cooperation between DPD RI and Legco could bring mutual benefits.
Moreover, there has been strong cooperation in the tourism, migrant workers, economy, and trade sectors.
“We also want to build a relationship that benefits both parties between the government and parliament, namely between the Legislative Council of Hong Kong and DPD RI, including fostering innovation and best practices in legislation,” he added.
The Legco visit, Andrew Leung continued, also aims to learn about regional management in understanding diverse communities.
DPD RI as a regional representative is considered to have an important role in development management and natural resource management in the region.
