Send Special Envoy, Japanese PM Conveys Commitment to Build Indonesia Infrastructure

President Jokowi introduced the ministers to the Special Envoy of Japan PM, Hiroto Izumi, at the State Palace, Jakarta, Friday (10/7)

President Joko Widodo received a courtesy call the Special Envoy of Prime Minister (PM) of Japan, Hiroto Izumi, at the Presidential Palace on Friday (10/7).

Coordinating Minister for Economy Sofyan Djalil said, the visit of Hiroto Izumi is intended to deliver a letter of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to President Jokowi, that the Japanese government is very committed to participate in infrastructure development in Indonesia.

“They are ready to participate in building a 35 thousand MW of electricity, Japan is ready to take up to 12,500 MW, coupled with building a network, including the construction of submarine networks Sunda Strait (HVDC),” said Sofyan told reporters.

The Government of Japan, Sofyan continued, is also ready to assist in the form of loans that can be used immediately, if the Indonesian government requires. In addition, Japan is seriously considering and wants to participate in fast trains development projects Jakarta-Bandung.

“They come up with a proposal which is quite technical, so much better than the proposals we’ve heard before,” Sofyan said.

1,000 Delegates

In the meeting with President Jokowi, Coordinating Minister for Economy Sofyan Djalil continued, the Special Envoy of Prime Minister of Japan Hiroto Izumi also said that after the Indonesian government provide free visas to tourists from Japan, therefore, before the end of this year there will be a large group led by the Chairman of the Indonesia-Japan Friendship to bring about 1,000 delegates to come to Indonesia.

“The delegation from various parties, namely the government, businessmen, entrepreneurs, and tourist. Hopefully, later during the visit the delegation can meet the President,” said Sofyan quoting Izumi.

On that occasion, Jokowi President expressed his gratitude to the Japanese government for all the support, and expects by given the freely visa the Japanese government also could help boost Japanese tourist arrivals to Indonesia.

When receiving the Special Envoy of the Japanese Prime Minister, President Jokowi accompanied by the Coordinating Minister for Economy Sofyan Djalil, Ministry of Trade Rahmat Gobel, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Chief Staff of the President Luhut B. Pandjaitan, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs AM. Fachir.  (DND/UN/RAH/ES)