Embraced by Emmanuel Macron, Jokowi Appreciates French Investment in Indonesia's Strategic Sector

President Jokowi was embraced by French President Emmanuel Macron during a bilateral meeting in New Delhi, India, Saturday, September 9 local time. (ANTARA/HO-Biro Press Setpres)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) held a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at Bharat Mandapam, IECC, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India, Saturday, September 9 local time.

On that occasion, Jokowi appreciated French investment in strategic sectors in Indonesia.

"(Regarding) investment in strategic sectors, I appreciate the French Ambassador to Indonesia for bringing potential French investors to the Capital of the Archipelago (IKN) and producing four LoIs (Letters of Intent) to support IKN development," said Jokowi at the meeting, quoted from a press release, Sunday 10 September, reported by Antara.

Jokowi hopes that an agreement between the two countries can be realized in the near future. He hopes that the agreement can be realized soon.

In terms of energy transition, the Head of State hopes that France can realize its commitment to energy transition projects, including through the just-energy transition-partnership (JETP) scheme.

Apart from discussing investment, Jokowi also asked for French support for Indonesia's membership process to become part of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Jokowi said this was Indonesia's step towards becoming a developed country.

"We have carried out various economic reforms in line with OECD membership requirements," he said.

In line with this, Jokowi asked President Macron to share experiences regarding how to work and optimize benefits as a member of the OECD.

On this occasion, Jokowi also expressed his appreciation to France for showing flexibility in its position regarding acts of harassment of religious symbols and holy books in the concept of the G20 declaration.

"This is a very important issue for Indonesia, this act of harassment really hurts the hearts of Muslims and cannot be justified," he said.