Airlangga Hartarto and Jake Sullivan Discuss Strategic Indonesia-US Cooperation in Washington, D.C.

Jakarta, INTI – Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, met with the United States National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, on Thursday (21/11) in Washington, D.C. The meeting served as a vital opportunity to discuss bilateral relations and explore strategic cooperation in clean energy, critical minerals, and people-to-people contact, including tourism.

In a collaborative atmosphere, both parties extended congratulations on the recent election of their respective national leaders, highlighting new possibilities for advancing strategic partnerships across various sectors.

Clean Energy as a Global Priority

With the global transition to clean energy becoming a central agenda, Indonesia and the United States agreed to strengthen their collaboration in developing renewable energy. One sector highlighted during the meeting was geothermal energy, where Indonesia holds the second-largest potential globally.

“Partnerships with the United States offer a significant opportunity for Indonesia to accelerate its energy transition while attracting investments in clean energy,” said Airlangga.

The clean energy sector not only addresses global carbon reduction goals but also creates green job opportunities in both nations. The U.S., a pioneer in renewable energy technologies, is committed to supporting Indonesia’s development of geothermal, solar, and wind energy through technology transfer and workforce capacity-building initiatives.

Critical Minerals and Indonesia’s Strategic Role

Critical minerals were another major topic of discussion. Indonesia boasts abundant reserves of essential minerals like nickel, copper, and bauxite, which are crucial for global technology industries, including electric vehicle battery manufacturing.

Indonesia aims to ensure sustainable management of these resources while integrating into the global supply chain. The Indonesian government is also pushing for alignment in environmental, labor, and governance aspects to ensure that national priority programs meet international standards.

“Incorporating Indonesia into the global supply chain for critical minerals is a strategic step to solidify our position as a key player in global technological transformation,” emphasized Airlangga.

The United States expressed its support for this initiative, including facilitating Indonesia’s access to global markets and creating a more competitive investment ecosystem.

Multilateral Cooperation Frameworks

In addition to bilateral relations, Indonesia and the U.S. discussed multilateral cooperation under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). This strategic economic initiative aims to strengthen economic integration and raise trade standards across the Indo-Pacific region.

The United States welcomed Indonesia’s efforts to align its economy with global standards through active participation in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This move reflects Indonesia’s commitment to adapting to global changes, including reforms in environmental, social, and governance sectors.

“Multilateral cooperation through IPEF and OECD will provide long-term benefits for Indonesia, especially in boosting global competitiveness,” said Jake Sullivan.

People-to-People Contact and Tourism

Airlangga also highlighted the importance of people-to-people contact in strengthening bilateral ties. The tourism sector, which was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, is now a major focus for recovery. Indonesia hopes to attract more American tourists through joint promotions and enhanced tourism infrastructure.

Both sides discussed potential programs for student exchanges, professional training, and cultural initiatives to foster deeper mutual understanding between Indonesian and American communities. These initiatives are seen as strategic tools for building stronger interpersonal connections.

Strategic Agreements and Future Prospects for Indonesia-US Relations

The meeting marked not only a symbol of strengthened bilateral relations but also a starting point for developing deeper strategic partnerships in various fields. The United States and Indonesia remain committed to supporting clean energy transitions, critical mineral management, and multilateral initiatives.

“With the spirit of collaboration, we can tackle global challenges together and create mutual benefits for both nations,” concluded Airlangga Hartarto.

High-Level Indonesian Delegation in Attendance

Also present at the meeting were the Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Susiwijono Moegiarso, and the Deputy for International Economic Cooperation, Edi Pambudi. Their presence underscored Indonesia’s seriousness in building closer ties with the United States.

Concrete actions resulting from this meeting are expected to strengthen Indonesia’s position as a strategic partner of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region.

The meeting between Airlangga Hartarto and Jake Sullivan was a crucial moment to explore various strategic cooperation opportunities that could bring tangible benefits to both nations. From clean energy to critical minerals, Indonesia and the United States demonstrated their commitment to addressing global challenges through mutually beneficial collaboration.

With significant potential at hand, Indonesia-US relations are expected to continue evolving, bringing positive impacts on the economy, society, and the global environment.