President Jokowi, US-ABC delegation discuss trade and investment
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received a visit from delegates of the United States-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC) at the Presidential Palace in Bogor, West Java, on Thursday to discuss trade and investment cooperation between Indonesia and the United States.
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, who accompanied Jokowi during the meeting, said that the US-ABC congratulated Indonesia for successfully holding the G20 Presidency last year and now chairing ASEAN.
“They also supported President Jokowi’s policy priority of improving the ecosystem of the electric vehicle (EV) industry, as Indonesia has enormous resources in this area,” she said.
The minister informed that more than 30 companies participated in the meeting.
Indonesia also stated its commitment to carrying out economic transformation in terms of energy sustainability, she said.
“They also discussed Indonesia’s potential to have the facilities to enter the EV market in the United States and how we can increase our role and ability to attract investment,” she said.
According to Indrawati, Jokowi said that Indonesia will continue to carry out economic transformation, both downstream and also from a sustainable energy perspective, including the energy transition, and continue to support the development of the new capital city (IKN) Nusantara.
The US-ABC delegation also expressed concern for the energy industry, especially Exxon and BP.
They conveyed that their investments in the Tangguh gas field and the Banyuurip oil field showed progress, and now they are concerned about climate change, where carbon capture technology is important.
She added that the Indonesian government has also continued to support various policies for energy independence and security in Indonesia, while, at the same time, pursuing its climate change commitments.
Furthermore, the minister said that Jokowi also heard the views of Marriott and Airbnb, which have increased their investment in the hospitality sector to support Indonesia’s main tourism destination program.
“This also needs to be supported by air transportation infrastructure. In addition, there are also suggestions in the health sector, namely the desire to establish partnerships with state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and the private sector in the pharmaceutical sector and increase sustainable health financing,” she added.
Moreover, with rapid technological development, cyber threat challenges have also arisen, which can be handled through partnerships, she said.
Indrawati said that President Jokowi emphasized the importance of partnership and collaboration because Indonesia is a country located at the center of geopolitical upheaval that needs to increase and strengthen global cooperation with all parties.
“This is in accordance with our goal to continue to improve our economy, our economic independence, and cooperation between various countries in the world,” she stated.
