Brexit Will Not Affect British Relations With Indonesia, Asean: UK Ambassador
Jakarta. Britain's decision to leave the European Union and Prime Minister David Cameron's subsequent resignation have given rise to various concerns among wide variety of people.
The outcome of this week's EU referendum has led to emotional reactions by many stakeholders, with market indicators showing a decline. The value of the British pound also fell sharply on Friday (24/06) and it is expected to slide even ever in the next few days.
European students at British universities expressed concern about their situation, which is uncertain at present, while many businessmen and employees are worried about possible economic instability.
However, some British politicians have responded by trying to calm down fears among their constituents. One example is the new London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who came out with an important message straight after the Brexit result.
"I want to send a message to the almost one million Europeans living in London who make a huge contribution to our city. You are welcome here. We value the enormous contribution you make to our city and that will not change," Khan said on his official Twitter account.
Speaking at the British Embassy in Jakarta on Saturday (25/06), Ambassador Moazzam Malik also addressed local concerns regarding Brexit by saying that his country's relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) would not be affected by Britain leaving the EU.
"It's clear that leaving the EU is British citizens' decision and we have to respect that decision. It was a difficult decision, which we have to accept. Surely there are some people who are against that decision but also, there are lots of people who see new a vision for the United Kingdom," Malik told reporters.
"The UK government will soon stabilize the situation and adjust to a new leadership. We will negotiate all matters regarding the referendum's outcome with the EU. We'll have new leader in October as the Conservative Party will have its conference towards that time," Malik said.
In confronting the image among many of a closed economy and a surge in racism, Malik had a strong message.
"We are a diverse and open nation. We are still a member of the G7, G20 and the United Nations Security Council," Malik stated. "We will keep spending 20 percent of our gross domestic product on security and 0.7 percent on development grants."
He also confirmed that Indonesia's relationship with Britain regarding educational, economic and religious affairs would continue as normal. The ambassador said Brexit would have no impact on Indonesians, even those living in Britain.
"All religious leaders in the UK and in Indonesia will continue to collaborate and discuss matters to strengthen tolerance, diversity and pluralism," he stated.
Britain and Indonesia have developed good trade relations. Last April when President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo visited Britain, there were two trade representatives and 300 business people that accompanied him seek potential business opportunities.
"We'll continue to maintain the relationship. UK companies are also responsible for million jobs in Indonesia and I haven't seen any signs that they will pull back their businesses from Indonesia," Malik added.
There are currently more than 400,000 international students from 150 countries including Indonesia, studying at various British universities.
"I assure you, there will be no impact on Indonesians living in the UK in doing their business, working or studying," the ambassador said.
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