VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesian President Joko Widodo held a virtual bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel from Bogor Palace, West Java on Tuesday (13/4). The meeting was held one day after both heads of state opened the Hannover Messe 2021.

In the bilateral meeting, both leaders discussed cooperation in health, human resources, investment, and climate change. In the health, President Joko Widodo and Chancellor Merkel exchanged views on Covid-19 handling in each country. They expressed worry about vaccine nationalism by some countries. That will badly disturb vaccine availability globally and equal vaccine access for all people.

In the investment, Chancellor Merkel saw a great potential in Indonesia to be an important partner for Germany in the future. Answering that, President Joko Widodo offered collaboration in developing industrial areas that will be filled by German companies. The German Industrial Quarter will be in Batang Integrated Industrial Area, Central Java.

President Joko Widodo further stated that Germany is one of Indonesia's most important partners in Europe. Both countries have had comprehensive partnership since 2012. Germany is Indonesia's biggest trade partner, 4th biggest investment partner, and 3rd biggest tourist source from Europe. The president also ensured that the investment climate in Indonesia has been better with the Job Creation Law.

About the climate change, both leaders shared a similar commitment for emission reduction. President Joko Widodo pointed out that Indonesia is strongly committed to carrying out green development. One of the ways is mangrove restoration and sustainable energy development.

Moreover, President Joko Widodo calls for Germany to join in hands to develop human resources through vocational schools and to increase German industrial investment in Southeast Asia.