Indinesia Diaspora Helps Promote Coffee, Batik in The United States

Jakarta, (Antara) - Indonesian diaspora in the United States will promote coffee and batik at the Made in Indonesia (MII) Festival on October 2 in Silver Spring, Washington DC is an effort to promote Indonesian products.

"The Indonesian diaspora is actively involved in promoting national products in the United States, and their role is imperative to strengthening the presence of Indonesian products here," said Trade Attache to Washington DC Reza Pahlevi Chairul in a written press release received here on Thursday.

Reza, along with the Indonesian Embassy in Washington DC and Indonesian diaspora, held the annual Made in Indonesia Festival, which coincided with the International Coffee day and Batik day this year.

This year's festival was themed "Indonesian Coffee and Batik to the World," involving a lot of Indonesian nationals that currently reside in various areas in the United States, including Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, New York and Chicago.

They enlivened the festival by selling coffee products, batik and woven (tenun) materials and jewelry.

Their presence received a warm response from the festival visitors, who came from Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia.

The total transaction during the festival is estimated to have reached U.S.$25 thousand as cold brew Sumatran coffee was highly appreciated by the visitors.

Other than that, jewelry products and batik-patterned shoes were also coveted by woman visitors for their unique designs.

The Made in Indonesia festival is aimed at motivating Indonesian nationals to get involved in various promotional efforts and business activities.

"Their involvement can lead to the emergence of new entrepreneurs, especially for Indonesian products in the United States. They can also become importers to support Indonesian exports to the United States," he continued.

The festival was held specifically to promote Indonesian products in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia.

Started in 2011, the festival has been conducted consecutively for the last five years.

Other than exhibiting Indonesian products, the festival also introduces the local citizens to Indonesian culture through a number of showcases, including traditional dance, music and fashion shows.

In order to introduce Indonesian cuisine and beverage, the Embassy in Washington DC held a free tasting session for coffee, organic chocolate and other light snacks that are unique to Indonesia.

The coffee served during the session included Sumatra Purbatua, Sulawesi Toraja and Aceh Gayo single origins.

Reza said the local government of Montgomery County has agreed to include the Made in Indonesia festival in its annual events schedule.

"Being included in the local government's annual events schedule means that the Embassy in Washington DC now has a secure means of promoting Indonesian products in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia," he added.(*)