VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesian Ambassador to South Africa, Salman Al Farisi was elected as Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for the period 2022–2024. This was determined at the 21st IORA Ministerial Meeting in Dhaka, Bangladesh more recently.

IORA is the pioneer and the only regional organization with coverage throughout the Indian Ocean region. The main priority within the IORA framework is to strengthen economic, maritime, and sustainable development cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. Currently, IORA has 23 member countries, and nine dialogue partners.

Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi said that the election of a representative from Indonesia as Secretary General of the IORA was a matter of great pride. She also expressed her appreciation for the process of selecting the Secretary General, which was carried out in a balanced, transparent and inclusive manner. According to Minister Retno, this is important to strengthen IORA's institutional capacity. She also emphasized that in a present challenging situation, IORA members have no choice but unite and collaborate to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic together and encourage economic recovery. Therefore, Minister Retno Marsudi called on the member countries to work together, recover together and recover stronger.

The election of an Indonesian representative to occupy the highest strategic position in IORA is the first time since the organization's formation in 1997. This is inseparable from the diplomatic efforts that have been carried out so far.

Indonesia has always played an active role in the IORA. In 2017, IORA held the first summit in Indonesia and commemorated the 20th anniversary of IORA's founding.

So, what are the benefits that can be obtained by Indonesia with a position as Secretary General in the Association of Indian Ocean Rim Countries (IORA)?

The position as Secretary General of IORA is expected to contribute to the development of Indonesia’s marine-based economy. At the same time, it also raises the profile of Indonesia's leadership in the international arena.

In addition, because the Indonesian economy is one of the best among other IORA members, there is a possibility that member countries can become markets for Indonesian commodities both finished and semi-finished products.