A book authored by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Ethiopia AL BUSYRA BASNUR was launched recently in the presence of invited guests from the Ethiopian Embassy in Jakarta, Indonessia including the Ambassador AdmasuTsegaye (Prof), representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Indonesian’ University Alumni, business community and diplomats from both sides.
In addition to the government-to-government diplomatic efforts, such efforts are very much helpful to further “the people-to-people diplomacy among our people,” Ambassador AL BUSYRA BASNUR stressed speaking about the importance of the book.
The book uncovers Ethiopia through the uniqueness, behaviour, religion, ethnicity, Ethiopian geography natural resource, history, tourism, export/import, trade and investment and the huge potential for FDI and infrastructural development.
Harambee University Professor and book reviewer BekeleShibruArsedi (Ph.D.) noted during the book launch ceremony that the book is different in its approach and nature. It is a reflection of the realities and happenings at different parts of Ethiopia during Ambassador’s mission fulfilment movement at different areas and institutions, which makes the book very interesting in sharing tested experience.
The duty of an ambassador that mainly focused on enhancing foreign service, negotiating agreements, promoting home country, conducting relationship building activities, harnessing conflict resolution is just like tight-rope walk. Apart from these wide activities, the ambassador’s time management skill is an exemplary one to all of us in different business.
The ambassador has visited many public and private universities and gave lectures on public diplomacy, diversity management, and diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and Indonesia, which was very important for diverse society like Ethiopia to create peaceful coexistence. He visited different business firms, public institutions, and many parts of Ethiopia from west to east and from north to south that enabled him to get a full picture about Ethiopia. The visit and discussion were presented in the book with pictures that make the book evidence based.His critical observation in all aspects, inner driven interest and the motivation to effect changes are key elements for his success.
The scope of the book covers vast areas ranging from the Ethiopian population (uniqueness, behaviour, religion, ethnicity, Ethiopian geography (climate, water), Ethiopian history, natural resource, tourism (The ambassador reflected in his book the untapped amazing potential for tourism that makes him an Ethiopian ambassador to both, agriculture (the backbone of the country’s means of existence), export/import (Ambassador coined out the trade balance between Ethiopia and Indonesia showing in figure that Ethiopia is exporting less to Indonesia, trade and investment (H.E ambassador make known the huge potential for FDI, infrastructure (the ambassador witnessed that Ethiopia constructed massive infrastructure projects (Railway, Road, bridges Clean water) that contributed fast development of country), the net facts in relation to the Great Ethiopian Renaissance dam (GERD) (location, budget, purpose etc.), he beautifully acknowledged the many-sided advantages of the dam.
With regard to the industrial parks, the ambassador described in his book all industrial parks available by region including his visit are well addressed in the book that gives relevant information for foreigners and the natives as well, the Ambassador tried to show the true picture of Ethiopia to the rest of the world.
The executive summary notes compiled with 23 major points reveal that the Ambassador has equipped himself with wide understanding about Ethiopia. For many people two years may be it is not enough time of recognizing some places and little values of the citizen not the time to write a book, which is not even theoretical. Within two years’ time, Ambassador AL BUSYRA BASNUR understand about Ethiopia more than the natives and wrote a book that makes him exceptional. I myself is new for some of the information addressed in the book.
AmbassadorAL BUSYRA BASNUR showed his special conviction to Ethiopia on page 18 that Indonesian people are unaware about the great history of Ethiopia. The Ambassador feel discontent by the distorted reality in Ethiopia. Yes, true not only Indonesiansbut also some other European, American and Asian countries have the same feeling that remained with the old history. I hope, this book can play its unique role in building the beautiful image of Ethiopia. I really thank you for such wonderful contribution.
His works played significant role to connect Ethiopian business people with Indonesians. On page 73 it was witnessed that ambassador accompanied the Ethiopian business people mainly from Dessie and he became the speaker to them at Indonesia. On page 32 he promoted the direct trade instead of the third go-betweencountry. This shows how much he is devoted to fair business transaction.
The book also identified some challenges like export challenge, currency limitation that may help to design strategic direction
Hence, said the book reviewer Bekele, “I recommend this book for Ambassadors to get overview of Ethiopia in shorter time that may reduce homesickness, learning time and cost. For business people to strengthen the relationship between the two countries, and for educators to share experience and use it as a reference.”
Ambassador AL BUSYRA BASNUR won our heart and mind through his public real diplomacy.
BY HAFTU GEBREZGABIHER
The Ethiopian Herald 28 October 2021
