Government of Taiwan has established a new policy on May 20, 2016, namely New Southbound Policy. Under the era of the first female president, Tsai Ing-wen, the policy focuses on the mutual development in all aspects cooperating with 18 countries comprising of 10 ASEAN countries, 6 Southern Asia countries, Australia and New Zealand.

Taiwan is now attempting to foster relations and cooperation in certain fields such as economy and trade, sciences and technology, as well as culture. Indonesia itself is the greatest partner of Taiwan to carry out the New Southbound Policy so that Indonesia obtains various facilities. For instance, Taiwan has committed to enhance scholarship for Indonesian students.

In a public lecture on ‘Prospect Taiwan-Indonesia Relations’ on Thursday (23/3) at meeting hall of A.R. Facruddin A, a keynote speaker from Taipei Economic and Trade Office in Indonesia (TETO) John C. Chen informed that Taiwan has provided ‘Taiwan Scholarship Program’ for Indonesian students. “MOE (Ministry of Education) Taiwan Scholarship Program can be utilized by Indonesian students who would like to pursue their study in Taiwan. There are 4000 Indonesian students in Taiwan, and we encourage other students to study in Taiwan as well. We offer various facilities such as making visa,” he told.

Taiwan and Indonesia have been collaborated in various fields. “In agricultural areas, Indonesia tries to evolve the quality of rice, sugar, and banana. In petrochemical fields, CPC Taiwan cooperates with Pertamina Indonesia. In industry areas, we organizes vocational training center,” Chen mentioned.

Besides, Taiwan also targets tourism areas and vigorously promote its tourism places which are friendly with Muslims. “We are attempting to enhance facilities and to create a friendly environment for Muslims (including providing halal food). The tourists visiting Taiwan can taste typical food of Taiwan in culinary restaurants, and they can also enjoy wonderful shopping center,” declared Chen.