VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan held a number of meetings on the first day of his working visit in Washington DC, USA, Monday (16/11/2020).

Luhut met with CEO of Conservation International (CI) M Sanjayan, Managing Director of International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva, President of World Bank David Malpass, and United States Trade Representatives (USTR) Robert Lighthizer.

During the visit, Luhut was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahendra Siregar, Deputy Minister of BUMN II Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, Indonesian Ambassador to the United States Muhammad Lutfi, and Expert Staff to the Minister of Trade for International Relations Arlinda Imbang Jaya.

"Today's meeting, in my opinion, is extraordinary, because I did not expect the response from the meetings throughout the day, both at the World Bank, IMF, Asia Group, as well as earlier with the USTR which was the subject of our visit, and the last dinner tonight. Those attending really reflect the presence of the two parties, and we are really friends," Luhut said in a written statement in Jakarta, Tuesday.

In a meeting with CI, Luhut and Sanjayan discussed co-funding opportunities with private partners for conservation and restoration programs for carbon credits in both coastal and terrestrial areas.

Sanjayan acknowledged that Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Indonesia were key countries because of their forest assets. He also called Indonesia the best in handling these assets.

Meanwhile, with the IMF and World Bank, Luhut discussed the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, national economic recovery, and Indonesia's efforts to maintain and improve its environmental conditions.

The two officials met by Luhut also expressed their appreciation for the progressive steps that have been taken by Indonesia. In particular, the IMF praised Indonesia as a country that has succeeded in implementing sound fiscal discipline, so that in times of crisis it can issue a stimulus without increasing its debt burden significantly.

Meanwhile, the President of the World Bank said that he was happy to be able to get an explanation of the Job Creation Law, which according to him would provide great benefits for the Indonesian people.

"I am very happy to be able to discuss the Omnibus Law on Work Creation with Minister Pandjaitan. Its implementation will provide many benefits for the Indonesian people," said David Malpass.

As for the meeting with USTR Robert Lighthizer, Luhut expressed his gratitude for the good cooperation so that the GSP review could be completed properly.

The extension of the GSP is considered to provide opportunities for employment and opportunities for many SMEs in Indonesia.

Lighthizer also said he was happy for the good cooperation in the negotiation process. Initially, he predicted that the lifting of the GSP which was carried out on India and Turkey would also be carried out for Indonesia.

However, due to good cooperation, this matter can be resolved properly. Lighthizer also expressed his belief that Indonesia will always be a strategic partner for the US in the economy and geopolitics so that he hopes that broader and more strategic talks can be carried out in the future.

In addition to these meetings, Luhut also held social gatherings with figures from the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. (Antaranews)