President Jokowi Receives Japan-Indonesia Association
President Jokowi accompanied by several high-ranking officials receives Japan Indonesia Association (JAPINDA) at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (20/11). (Photo: Rahmat/PR)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Wednesday (19/11) at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, welcomed leaders of Japanese leading industries allied under the Japan Indonesia Association (JAPINDA).
Issues addressed during the meeting include cooperation in technology, economy, investment, tourism as well as the development of giant gas field Masela block in the Arafuru Sea, Maluku in eastern Indonesia.
In terms of technology, President Jokowi and the delegates also discussed the development of chitosan energy for Indonesia’s agro products.
“The President raised issues related to cooperation in tourism, particularly in Lake Toba, Borobudur Temple, Mandalika, and Labuan Bajo,” Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto told reporters after accompanying President Jokowi in the meeting.
According to Airlangga, the President also explained about the preparation of an omnibus law, which is expected to solve investment problems. “Afterwards, the President told them about bureaucratic streamlining and new policies to deal with the negative list of investment. Those measures are expected to raise our investment,” explained Airlangga.
In terms of the development of Masela block, Airlangga said that the President expressed hope that the project could be accelerated.
The President and the delegates also raised issues related to Patimban deep sea port project in Subang, West Java that is currently under construction.
On that occasion, the JAPINDA also asked for connectivity between Patimban port and toll road. “The President has asked Minister of Public Works and Public Housing to follow it up,” Airlangga said.
In the meantime, Leader of the JAPINDA former Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda Yasuo expressed his commitment to continue a number of construction projects in Indonesia.
“Japan is currently preparing the design, land acquisition, local content as well as workforce for Masela block. The project is estimated to start from 2022 to 2027,” Airlangga said.
Meanwhile, Okudaira Soichio from Daihatsu Toyota – who also joined the meeting – said that Toyota and Daihatsu have produced more than 10 million vehicles and 90% of Indonesia’s automotive products (around 200,000 vehicles) have been exported to 80 countries.
“The figure will be increased. Moreover the company will also increase the R&D of engineer graduates,” said Airlangga.
In the meantime, Yamauchi from PP Taisei also explained that the company has been operating in Indonesia for 60 years, including by establishing the historical Hotel Indonesia. Based on the data, Taisei also has a wealth of experiences in city development and flood disaster management.
“They offered to be involved in those activities, including flood handling in Jakarta,” Airlangga said, adding that Hirose Michiaki from Tokyo Gas expressed grateful that Indonesia has been exporting gas for their company.
According to Airlangga, Japan handles 17 national strategic projects in total, ranging from trains, ports, energy, and electricity. (FID/RAH/ES)
Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Edited by: M. Ersan Pamungkas
