President Jokowi Asks King Salman to Give Protection to Indonesian Citizens in Saudi Arabia

President Jokowi and King Salman are holding hands on a state visit at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Wednesday (1/3) (Photo: PR/Agung)

Bilateral meeting between President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo and the King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, on Wednesday (1/3) afternoon, was productive and carried out in a friendly atmosphere.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, in a joint press conference with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dr. Nizar bin Obaid Madani, said that besides discussing important issues related with public interests, both leaders also agreed to enhance cooperation in a number of sectors, including trade and investment.“In particular, the President of Indonesia appreciated the decision of returning the normal figure of Indonesia’s hajj quota of 211,000 plus an additional 10,000 for 2017,” Retno Marsudi said.

On the meeting with King Salman, President Jokowi also asked King Salman to protect Indonesian Citizens living in Saudi Arabia who have contributed to the development ofthis country.

On trade sector, the Minister added, the President asked the King to remove any obstacles.“Indonesia expects an easier access to market for Indonesian products, especially halal products, fishery products, medicines, medical equipments, as well as textiles and garments,” the Minister further said.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs also said that the President warmly welcomed the signing of an MoU to build an oil refinery in Cilacap, Central Java, between Pertamina and Aramco that worth US$6 billion. The President also encouraged the establishment of  a joint venture company as soon as possible.

The two leaders also discussed a number of projects proposed by Indonesia, such as energy development project in Dumai, Balongan, and Bontang, as well as the construction of PLTU Mulut Tambang (mine mouth coal power plant) in Jambi.

“They also discussed the possibility to involve Saudi Arabia in infrastructures development, such as road construction, drinking water system, sanitation, and housing,” Retno added.

As the follow-up of the bilateral meeting, both leaders have agreed to immediately send their ministers to follow up the agreements that have been discussed.

Rahmatan Lil Alamin

According to Minister Retno Marsudi, President Joko Widodo and King Salman also shared their views on regional and international cooperation, including the issue of Palestine.“The independence of Palestine is a struggle that must be continued to carry out. Indonesia reaffirms the importance to peacefully resolve a number of conflicts around the world, including in the Middle East,” the Minister firmly said.

In addition, both leaders also emphasized the importance to cooperate in manifesting Islam as rahmatan lil alamin (a mercy to all creation).

Indonesia, the Minister further said, also encouraged Muslims to unite because it is important for the interests of all Muslims and people in the world. (DNA/SM/AGG/ES)(MMB/YM/Naster)