President Yudhoyono Asks Indonesia Diaspora to Help develop Green Car

New York - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has invited the Indonesian diaspora to contribute to the development of the nation's environmentally friendly car program. "We are now developing green car or electric car because of the high fuel subsidy burden," Yudhoyono told the Indonesian diaspora during a breakfast at the office of the Indonesian permanent representative to the United Nations in New York on Thursday. The President said environmentally friendly car is one of the most appropriate choices to avoid the impact of global oil price upheaval. Any decision to increase fuel prices has created a social and political impact which is sometimes larger than economic benefit as expected, he noted. Therefore, he asked the Indonesian diaspora who has expertise in different fields to take part in the development of the green car in Indonesia. "If they can do it quickly that will be good," he said. The President also asked the Indonesian diaspora to take part in the development of the nation's information technology and food security. Meanwhile, Indonesian Ambassador to the United States Dino Patti Djalal said the Indonesian diaspora can function as a hub that connects Indonesia and the countries where they are living. They can also help tap potential business opportunities, he added. (*)