The 8th Congress of Indonesian Diaspora, a strategic gathering to strengthen the role of the Indonesian diaspora in supporting national development, expanding global networks, and introducing Jakarta as a symbol of Indonesia’s transformation and future, officially opened on Saturday, March 3, and lasted until Sunday, March 4, at the Capital City of the Archipelago.
The event, organized by the Indonesian Diaspora Network (IDN) Global, brought together no less than 200 Indonesian diaspora participants from various parts of the world. The series of activities included panel discussions, workshops, archipelago bazaars, and fashion shows. Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Anis Matta, who delivered a keynote speech at the opening of the Congress, emphasized that the Indonesian diaspora must be an active partner in development and make Jakarta an international economic, cultural, and investment destination.
“We can convey a strong message to the world — if there is a wise word that there are a thousand roads to Rome, then there are also a thousand roads to the IKN,” said Vice Foreign Minister Anis Matta. He highlighted the importance of building a common perception gradually through the power of the diaspora. The updates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs related to the diaspora, including the formation of a new Directorate of Diaspora Affairs, were also shared with Congress participants.
The 8th Congress, themed “Realizing IKN to Become a World City for All,” aims to introduce Jakarta as a symbol of Indonesia’s transformation and future. The event was attended by high-profile speakers from various sectors, including the Director for Public Diplomacy and the Director of Indonesian Citizen Protection of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During his working visit to Jakarta, Vice Minister Anis Matta also conveyed updates on major activity plans, such as the Indonesian and Islamic World Film Festival scheduled for September 2025 in Jakarta. The event concluded with a tree-planting ceremony, symbolizing the government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The significance of this gathering lies in its ability to strengthen Indonesia’s global presence and promote its development through the contributions of its diaspora community. As Vice Foreign Minister Anis Matta emphasized, “the Indonesian diaspora must be an active partner in development.” The 8th Congress of Indonesian Diaspora has marked a significant milestone in this effort.
Key Highlights:
- The 8th Congress of Indonesian Diaspora, themed “Realizing IKN to Become a World City for All,” was held from March 3 to 4 at the Capital City of the Archipelago.
- No less than 200 Indonesian diaspora participants attended the event.
- Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Anis Matta delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the role of the diaspora in development and global networks.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs formed a new Directorate of Diaspora Affairs to specifically handle diaspora affairs.
- The Indonesian and Islamic World Film Festival is scheduled for September 2025 in Jakarta.