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Open door policy for diaspora needs details
To make full use of the diaspora, the government should have a well-managed database that enables it to pinpoint exactly who, what and where the diaspora are.
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Members of the Java Diaspora community join hands while pledging their allegiance to the nation during a conference in Yogyakarta over the weekend, coinciding with the 71st anniversary of the country's independence. (JP/Suherdjoko)
P
resident Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s speech themed “Visi Indonesia” (Indonesian vision) has given a breath of fresh air to Indonesian diaspora. The President ensured that the diaspora would be part of his big plan to develop human resources.
There are at least 7 million members of the Indonesian diaspora working in various fields globally but their potential has largely been untapped for the good of the nation, except remittances they send back home. They are not just involved in common or “ordinary” work; some of them are actually involved in strategic projects overseas.
In his speech, he said he would establish a national talent management organization that would pool diaspora and other stakeholders.
How he will utilize the diaspora remains to be seen, but the commitment has won appreciation from the Indonesian diaspora community, who support the realization of the agenda.
To make full use of the diaspora, the government should have a well-managed database that enables it to pinpoint exactly who, what and where the diaspora are.
This step is important to clearly understand the true potential of the Indonesian diaspora. The database will help the government quickly connect issues it is facing and skills and talent that it needs.
Indonesian embassies, as the hub of diaspora, need support from the national talent management to map the diaspora. When the map is completed, the government should engage with the diaspora and find out which national projects or agendas will need the expertise and skills of the diaspora.
