Presiden Joko Widodo Holds Bilateral Meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron

INTI,- President Joko Widodo conducted a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Grand Prince Hotel in Hiroshima on Sunday, May 21, 2023. During the meeting, the two presidents discussed at least four key issues, ranging from Indonesia's membership in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to defense matters.

"First, regarding Indonesia's membership in FATF, I hope for France's support in accepting Indonesia as a member of FATF. Indonesia is the only G20 country that is not a member of FATF," said President Jokowi.

Secondly, the President requested President Macron's support for the swift conclusion of the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IUE-CEPA) next year.

Thirdly, both leaders discussed investment in strategic sectors. President Jokowi welcomed the participation of French companies in Indonesia's downstream projects and French assistance through The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) amounting to 500 million euros and the Just Energy Transition Partnership.

President Jokowi also saw the need to promote the follow-up of cooperation between Hydrogene de France (HDF) and PT Bukit Asam for hydrogen-based technology, as well as the collaboration between the Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD) and the Yayasan Biru Indonesia for sustainable development.

"Indonesia is also open to investment for the development of the Nusantara Capital in the fields of infrastructure, green energy, and ecotourism. We have prepared incentives and investment facilities," he added.

Fourthly, in the defense and main weapon system (alutsista) sector, President Jokowi welcomed the joint venture plans between PT Len Industri and Thales. "Let us continue to encourage technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and joint production," he continued.

"I invite the participation of the French private sector in the concrete implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). I also extend an invitation to France to participate in the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum in Jakarta in September," he concluded.

Accompanying President Jokowi in the meeting were the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi. ***. Hans