Indonesia mantles $10 million bamboo house in Shanghai

Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post, Shanghai | Sat, 05/01/2010 10:30 AM

First strike: Indonesian delegation, represented by among others (from right to left), Indonesian Ambassador to China Imron Cotan, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu and Coordinating Minister for the Economy Hatta Rajasa play a gamelan music instrument to officially open the Indonesian pavilion at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai on Saturday. – JP/Primastuti Handayani

The government of Indonesia is using the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China, as a stepping stone to nation branding, which is constantly being redefined and improved, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said here Friday.

In Shanghai, the government has built a US$10 million pavilion that depicts a tropical-themed house using bamboo. The 2,400-square-meter pavilion will be officially opened for the public Saturday, the day the expo opens.

Mari emphasized that Indonesia’s participation in the five yearly event was to showcase the progress that had the government had achieved, as well as answer misperceptions the public might have about Indonesia such as it being unsafe, undemocratic and marred with corruption.

“We want to use the expo to show how wonderful Indonesia is,” she said.

“We hope our participation at the event can increase the number of tourists from China. Data from the visa issuance shows that about 350,000 Chinese tourists visit Indonesia annually. The figure, however, is lower compared to other Southeast Asian countries.”

Edy Putra Irawadi, deputy to the coordinating economic minister, in charge of industry and trade, said that Indonesia’s participation at the expo covered many regions in the archipelago.

The government hopes to net Rp 1 trillion (US$110.8 million) in transactions at the six-month long event from a multiplying effect tourism, trade and investment sectors can produce. To further herald the Indonesia brand, the government will host a series of other international events such as the ASEAN Summit and the SEA Games next year, as well as the 2013 APEC meeting.

“By hosting those events, Indonesia will be under the spotlight. We have plenty of homework to do, especially in the service sector,” she said after visiting the China and Japan pavilions at the expo with Coordinating Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa.

“We should provide better services, especially at the country’s entrances such as airports. We have an advantage in our role as host for ASEAN, as the bloc is holding meetings throughout the year. As for the APEC meeting, we should consider if we need to build new hotels or convention centers.”

All natural: The Green School in Bali features bamboo construction engineered into a more modern look. JP/ Zul Trio Anggono

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