Jokowi Helps Promote Garuda In London

London (Antara Bali) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), a born businessman and always appearing businesslike, helped promote the nation's flag carrier Garuda Indonesia during his  last week's visit to the United Kingdom.

"Come to Indonesia  and fly with Garuda," he told British lawmakers after speaking  at length about global political and economic issues .

In a number of occasions amid his tightly set agenda during the two day visit Jokowi took time to ask his foreign audience to come to  Indonesia and know more about that country.

"Indonesia is not only Bali. Now Garuda flies directly from London to Jakarta," he said.

The president even went to some length telling them about the difficult periods and profitable years  faced by the airline.

"Indeed the airline had to go through difficult times such as financial losses in  2014, but  in 2015 it rebounded and made profit," he said in a UK-Indonesia business forum attended by hundreds of business leaders.

M Arif Wibowo, the chief executive of the Indonesia flag carrier said Jokowi's reference to Garuda could be a big boost for the 5-star airline.

"It would not only attract more foreigners to fly with Garuda, but also increase Indonesian pride in  the  airline.

"Consequently, we have to match the good words spoken by the president about Garuda with consistency in maintaining good services," Arif, who was among the presidential entourage, said.

Arif also was full of praise for the performance of the airline lately  saying its  cabin crew has won a citation  as The World Best Cabin Crew , and it is now a member of the Alliance of Global Skyteam.

He said Garuda had a subsidiary,  Citilink,a low cost carrier, which has recorded a healthy growth strengthening its fleet from 12 units of aircraft in 2012 to 28 units now. (WDY)