Friday, March 29, 2024

Jokowi seizes opportunity at G7 Summit to attract investors for key projects

Reading Time: 3 minutes
Audina Nur

Journalist

Mahinda Arkyasa

Editor

Interview

During the G7 Summit held from May 19 to 23, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo utilized the forum to engage with countries that possess promising investment prospects in major projects, extending beyond the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) initiatives.

The G7 member countries, including the US, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, and Japan, play significant roles in terms of investment and providing support for key projects in Indonesia. Among these countries, Japan stands as the largest investor with a total of US$3.56 billion, closely followed by the US.

President Jokowi held several bilateral meetings with leaders of partner countries during the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan.

Jokowi appeal to UK on JETP and developing an EV ecosystem

On May 20, Jokowi met with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, urging him to fulfil the financial commitment for the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) program, which would help in achieving the zero-carbon emission target.

Moreover, Jokowi requested the UK’s involvement in fostering an electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, encompassing the supply of battery cells, the establishment of EV micro-factories, and strategic investments in the education sector. 

Jokowi’s talk with Japanese PM

On the same day, Jokowi also held discussion with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, aiming to secure the fulfilment of a substantial funding commitment of US$500 million for low-carbon technology and the early decommissioning of coal-fired power plants (PLTU). In the pursuit of accelerating net-zero emissions, multiple Japanese institutions have enlisted to collaborate with PT PLN, PT Pupuk Indonesia, and PT Pertamina.

In addition, ongoing negotiations between Indonesia and Japan were underway to finalize the Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA) by the end of Q3 2023, with a continued emphasis on the mass rapid transport (MRT) project.

In terms of trade, emphasis was made in the removal of tariffs on canned tuna and the expansion of market access for tropical fruits from Indonesia. In return, various infrastructure projects were presented to Japan, including the continuation of the Jakarta-Surabaya fast train initiative. 

Specifically for the IKN project, five Japanese institutions demonstrated their commitments. These include the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Japan International Association for the Industry of Building and Housing (JIBH), Japan Conference on Overseas Development of Eco-Cities (J CODE), and Urban Renaissance Agency (UR). 

Jokowi’s offer to Canada and South Korea for IKN and beyond

Jokowi made a similar offer regarding investment opportunities in IKN and various other projects to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. Specifically, Jokowi urged South Korea to actively pursue the implementation of the drinking water source project in IKN, while requesting Trudeau to encourage Canadian pension fund institutions to invest in IKN.

Additionally, Jokowi conveyed his gratitude for the support of G7 nations, including Canada, in aiding Indonesia’s energy transition. “I hope that the immediate realization of US$20 billion in financial support can be achieved, but not in the form of debt,” Jokowi said.

Jokowi’s meeting with French President on economy and defense

On May 21, Jokowi held a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at Grand Prince Hotel, Hiroshima, Japan. During the meeting, both leaders discussed at least four points, including bilateral cooperation in the economy and defense sectors. 

First, regarding Indonesia’s bid to join the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Jokowi appealed to France for its support in endorsing Indonesia’s candidacy for FTAF. Notably, Indonesia is the sole G20 member country that is yet to join the esteemed organization and had initially submitted its proposal to join FATF in 2017. 

The government believes that Indonesia’s membership in the FATF will have a positive impact, especially on the perception of the Indonesian financial system and fostering an improved investment climate within the country.

Second, Jokowi asked for Macron’s support to finalize the comprehensive economic cooperation between Indonesia and the European Union, or the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA), by 2024. 

Third, Jokowi also expressed his appreciation for the participation of French companies in Indonesia’s downstream projects and French assistance through The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) of EUR 500 million and the establishment of JETP Secretariat in Indonesia. 

Jokowi highlighted the importance of advancing collaborations between Hydrogene de France (HDF) and PT Bukit Asam in the realm of hydrogen-based technology, as well as the partnership between the Center de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD) and the Indonesian Blue Foundation for sustainable development. In this regard, Indonesia extended opportunities for investment to France in infrastructure, green energy, and ecotourism, especially in the IKN development. 

Lastly, Jokowi welcomed the joint venture between PT Len Industri and Thales to continue providing technology transfer, knowledge exchange, and co-production related to defence and primary weapons systems. 

Audina Nur

Journalist

Mahinda Arkyasa

Editor

 

Interview

SUBSCRIBE NOW
We will provide you with an invoice for your reimbursable expenses.

Free

New to Indonesian market? Read our free articles before subscribing to the premium plan. If you already run your business in Indonesia, make sure to subscribe to the premium subscription so you won’t miss any intelligence & business opportunities.

Premium

$550 USD/Year

or

$45 USD/Month

Cancelation: you can cancel your subscription at any time, by sending us an email inquiry@ibp-media.com

Add keywords to your market watch and receive notification:
Schedule a free consultation with us:

We’ll contact you for confirmation.

FURTHER READING

The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy Admiral Muhammad Ali recently received a courtesy visit from Ambassador of Turkiye to Indonesia, H.E. Talip Küçükcan.
The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), and the United States have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Clean Energy Working Group Indonesia-US.
Indonesia and Singapore have finalized three important agreements on Flight Information Region (FIR) realignment, Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), and Extradition Treaty (ET). 
A survey by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) has revealed that about half of Japanese companies operating in Indonesia are aiming for expanding their businesses following positive business trend in the last few years.
Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, has announced that solar panel or photovoltaic glass investments worth US$ 3.5-4 billion (IDR 55-62.9 trillion), are set to enter North Kalimantan. 
Indonesian Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto welcomed an honorary visit by Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand H.E. Winston Peters at the Ministry of Defense in Jakarta on Thursday, March 14, 2024.