Building U.S.-Indonesia Mutual Understanding Since 1994

USINDO’s Virtual Farewell Event in Honor of H.E. Muhammad Lutfi – March 25

USINDO hosted a virtual event on March 25 to bid farewell to Indonesia’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Muhammad Lutfi and congratulate him on his new position as Trade Minister.

At this virtual reception attended by an audience of 130, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and concurrently, U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, the Honorable Sung Kim reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to strengthen its bilateral trade and investment ties with Indonesia, emphasizing that robust cooperation with Indonesia is critical for rebuilding a safer and brighter future for Indo Pacific, and restoring both countries’ economies post pandemic.
   
Ambassador Lutfi shared his views on four consequential global issues. The first is the COVID-19 pandemic and how it requires a cohesive and multi-country mitigation including greater collaboration between Indonesia and the United States. He expressed his optimism in easing tensions with China, the importance of promoting economic growth in the region, and not letting rivalries impede  growth.

Ambassador Lutfi said climate change should not be a sticking point in Indonesia-U.S. relations since Indonesia is steadfast in its fight against climate change and deforestation. He shared Indonesia’s concerns over the military coup taking place in Myanmar and Indonesia’s readiness to support  dialogue to settle this issue under the ASEAN framework.

In the Q&A session Ambassador Lutfi explained Indonesia’s plan to run its Sovereign Wealth Fund as a world class corporation, the progress of Indonesia’s new capital city development, continued efforts to fight COVID-19, and Indonesia’s commitment to attract foreign investment including from the U.S.

The virtual event was attended by the U.S. government officials, former U.S. Ambassadors to Indonesia, USINDO corporate and individual members, and the general public.

To watch the video of the event, please click here: