Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Joint Press Conference with President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province, December 22, 2022

Your Excellency President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc and delegates,

Firstly, I would like to welcome you all in Indonesia. It is an honor to receive President Phúc at the Bogor Palace today.

Vietnam has been Indonesia’s strategic partner since 2013 and in the meeting, we have discussed the enhancement of strategic partnerships, be it bilateral and regional partnerships.

In terms of bilateral partnership, we have discussed several issues. First, the effort to boost cooperation on trade sector between both countries. The trade value in 2021 amounting US$11.06 had exceeded the target of trade value set for 2023 which is at US$10 billion. During the past five years, the trade value increased by 9.77 percent. Therefore, we have agreed to set a new bilateral target of US$15 billion by 2028. Indonesia also called for Vietnam’s attention on the obstacle faced by Indonesia’s agricultural products to enter Vietnam markets.

Second, the needs to protect Indonesian investment in Vietnam. Allow me to express my appreciation to the Government of Vietnam for their support to Indonesian companies investing in Vietnam. The investment value of Indonesia in Vietnam is recorded at more than US$600 million in 101 projects. I expect issues faced by Indonesian investors will be resolved so it can encourage new investment.

Third, the efforts to strengthen cooperation on clean energy as well as new and renewable energy. I welcome the signing of Memorandum of Understanding on energy and mineral resources sectors. The MoU is expected to encourage the development of solar power plant, hydropower plant, and smart grid. I also welcome the plan of Vietnam to collaborate with (Indonesia’s) State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) and companies, such as PT BTM and PT Wima in marketing Gesit electric motorcycle to Vietnam market, Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC) in the investment of electric vehicle battery manufacturing, and PT INKA (state-owned train manufacturer) in purchasing components of electric bus.

Fourth is the improvement of connectivity among the two countries. We must restore goods and tourism mobilities to that of pre-pandemic period. Direct flight routes from and to centers for business and tourism in both countries must be revitalized. Airlines from both countries are expected to support the finalization of a plan to create new route from Da Nang to Denpasar and Hồ Chí Minh to Jakarta, and adding the number of Jakarta- Hồ Chí Minh City routes.

Fifth, the negotiations on Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) boundaries between the Republic of Indonesia and Vietnam. After 12 years of intensive negotiations, both countries have finally been able to conclude negotiations of EEZ boundaries based on UNCLOS 1982.

And today we have agreed to sign three MoUs, such as regarding cooperation on energy and mineral resources, cooperation to eradicate terrorism, and cooperation to eradicate illicit drug trafficking. I hope cooperation on fisheries and eradication of IUU [illegal, unreported, and unregulated] fishing can be further strengthened by speeding up finalization of MoU on the cooperation on maritime affairs and fisheries.

The meeting also discussed several regional issues. Indonesia’s chairmanship in ASEAN in 2023 will prioritize ASEAN central role in maintaining regional stability and peace, and transforming Southeast Asian countries as the center for economic development.

I appreciate Vietnam’s support to Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship. Now, I will invite President Phúc to deliver his statement. The floor is yours.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(RAS/MMB)