President Jokowi Meets German Economy Minister
President Joko Jokowi Widodo received Minister of Economy and Energy of the Federal Republic of Germany Peter Altmaier, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (1/11) to discuss advantages of both nations industries.
In the meeting, Minister Altmaier acknowledged that his nation is very strong in the industrial internet or Business to Business (B to B) but still lack on Business to Consumer (B to C) model. Indonesia, on the contrary, is strong in B to C model and is proved by the existence of online shops such as Tokopedia, Bukalapak, and Traveloka.
Our respective strengths will complete each other, Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Thomas Lembong said to reporters after accompanying President Jokowi on his meeting with German Minister Peter Altmaier.
According to Lembong, President Jokowi announced on his state visit to Germany three years ago that the main focus of Indonesia and Germany cooperation is vocational education, such as vocational training and practical skills for workers to mastering mechanical engineering and machinery.
Minister Altmaier said that the most important technology of industry 4.0 is artificial intelligence and it is the most powerful creation since the invention of steam engine 200 years ago, Lembong said.
On that occasion, President Jokowi also expressed his gratitude for the support from the Germany Government at the 2018 Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business. The conference is being held in Jakarta starting tonight until Saturday, Lembong added.
The conference is attended by several CEOs of large companies from Germany on different types of industry. This is the biggest German Industry Conference in Asia and only held once in two years, Lembong concluded, adding that Indonesia is very fortunate to be the host this year. (MAY/RAH/ES)
Translated by: Galuh Wicaksono
Edited by: Mia Medyana