Indonesia, Australia to Develop HR for Semiconductor Industry

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of Indonesia, Airlangga Hartarto engaged in discussions with Australian Business Champion for Indonesia Professor Jennifer Westacott AO, focusing on several prospective areas for economic cooperation. Key among these is an initiative to enhance the capacity of Indonesian human resources in semiconductor development.

“Indonesia opens up opportunities for bilateral cooperation, especially to prepare human resources for the semiconductor industry,” Minister Hartarto noted in a statement from his office.

Minister Hartarto outlined that this initiative is anticipated to be supported through Technical and Further Education (TAFE) or vocational education programs facilitated by the Australian government.

The discussions also encompassed collaboration opportunities in the energy and mineral sectors, including the development of Carbon Capture Storage (CCS), energy transition and transmission processes, environmentally friendly mining practices, green coal technology, and blue ammonia.

In addition, the meeting covered potential cooperation in the informatics, agriculture, education, and health sectors. Minister Hartarto emphasized the Indonesian government’s focus on finalizing regulations concerning CCS to foster more intensive collaboration between the two nations.

He also underscored the importance of sustaining various existing cooperative commitments, including those in dairy products, processed foods, and poultry farming. Minister Hartarto expressed optimism that bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia would continue to thrive, supporting the transition of the new Indonesian government in October.

Professor Westacott welcomed the prospects for collaboration across various sectors, specifically suggesting a joint venture in the semiconductor packaging industry. Her visit is part of a broader strategy to enhance cooperation in the ASEAN region, following Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, launched during the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta on September 6, 2023.

The meeting was attended by Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Penny Williams and Special Staff to the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Raden Pardede.