Jakarta, Jubi – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has upgraded Indonesia’s status from observer to associate member.
“It is true that Indonesia was appointed an ‘associate member’ at the 20th MSG summit meeting. Their response (MSG members) are positive because they see the importance of a strategic relationship that can be given by Indonesia, ” spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, Arrmanatha Nasir said in Jakarta last week.
Indonesia obtained the status of member in the MSG because it has a lot to contribute to the MSG member countries through capacity building programs.
“Indonesia has conducted more than 130 capacity building program for MSG member countries, involving 583 residents of Melanesia,” he said.
He considered that the increased status in the MSG is beneficial for Indonesia, considering that in Indonesia there are 11 million people are Melanesians who are in the eastern region of Indonesia.
“Since beginning President Joko Widodo has given attention to get closer and develop relations with the countries of the Pacific,” he said.
He added through MSG, Indonesia and MSG member countries can share experiences and work together to tackle the problems of the island nation.
“Most countries are members of the MSG was the archipelago country like Indonesia, then we can work together to resolve the problems faced by island states,” he said.
Previously, at the 20th MSG summit, MSG declared to upgrade status of Indonesia in the group of into associate member in
MSG summit meeting took place in Honiara, Solomon Island from24 to 26 June 2015. (*)
