Indonesia keen on stronger economic cooperation with US
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said promoting economic cooperation is a top priority in President Joko Widodo’s US visit, which marks a new stage in the two countries’ strategic partnership
Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Source :Antara/VNA)
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said promoting economic cooperation is a top priority in President Joko Widodo’s US visit, which marks a new stage in the two countries’ strategic partnership.
The FM made the statement at a press conference after talks between Presidents Joko Widodo Barack Obama on October 26 in the Oval Office as part of President Widodo’s state visit to the US.
According to the FM, the two leaders discussed bilateral collaboration as well as multilateral ties in the region. President Obama said the US wished to continue boosting cooperation with Indonesia in numerous areas and spoke highly of Indonesia’s economic reforms.
The US President requested economic groups of the two countries seek way to address issues and barriers to bilateral economic cooperation.
The two sides inked four memorandums of understanding (MoU) in the fields of maritime, energy, defence and fuel.
During the visit, the Indonesian President held a round-table discussion with the participation of about 250 Indonesian and US entrepreneurs, including representatives from US big names such as Nike, General Electric, ConocoPhillips, Phillip Morris International, Caterpillar, Chevron, Pfizer, Chapman Taylor and MetLife.
Two-way trade between the two countries reached 28 billion USD in 2014.-VNA
The naval forces of the United States and Indonesia kicked off a joint exercise called the 2015 Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) to boost their maritime cooperation.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and US Secretary of State John Kerry discussed measures to expand the two countries’ partnership during their meeting in Washington D.C. on September 21.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Source :Antara/VNA)
