Get Ready, China Will Invest In Various Sectors In Indonesia, Luhut: Will Use Local Workers

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan in Parapat, North Sumatra, Tuesday 12 January. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The governments of the Republic of Indonesia and China have agreed to increase economic cooperation in various sectors ranging from industrial estate development to health.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan together with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi witnessed the signing of the "Two Countries Twin Park" cooperation project in Parapat, North Sumatra, Tuesday 12 January.

The cooperation entitled "Two Countries Twin Park" proposed by the Provincial Government of Fujian involves Yuanhong Industrial Park with Bintan Industrial Area, Aviarna Industrial Zone, and Batang Industrial Zone.

This cooperation is expected to be a model for further cooperation between Indonesia and China, where in the future, companies from the bamboo curtain country can also invest in Indonesia, particularly in the downstream industry, electric cars and lithium batteries.

"Chinese investment in Indonesia has fulfilled the 4 + 1 Rule of Thumb set by the Indonesian government, namely environmentally friendly, technology transfer, job creation using local labor, creating added value, and a business to business (B2B) cooperation model. "Luhut said in a written statement in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Thursday, January 14.

During the meeting, Luhut said that the Indonesian government also encouraged China's participation in the extension of the Jakarta-Bandung-Surabaya fast train project. Currently China is only involved in the Jakarta-Bandung fast train project

"In addition, the Jakarta-Bandung fast train project is also expected to be extended into the Jakarta-Bandung-Surabaya fast train project. President Joko Widodo has told President Xi Jinping that China can participate in the project," Luhut added.

In the health sector, Indonesia and China are expected to be able to build international hospitals in order to create more qualified cooperation between hospitals, exchange of doctors and health workers, as well as research and technology collaboration between countries.

In terms of research, Luhut also invited Chinese universities to conduct research collaborations in the field of herbal medicine.

The Indonesian government is preparing an area of 500 hectares in Humbang Hasundutan, North Sumatra which will function as a Center for Herbs and Horticulture.

At this location, an agricultural demonstration area, office, residence, guest house, laboratory and germplasm collection field will be established.

"Apart from that, in the midst of this pandemic, I also hope that our economic cooperation will not stop and can continue to be improved. Indonesia has rich resources so that it is hoped that Indonesia can expand its product market in China, including access to swallow's nest products, fisheries, tropical fruit, and coal, "said Luhut.

The current Indonesian government also hopes to work with China to implement poverty alleviation programs based on science and technology (science and technology), education, and industry in Indonesia. The program is implemented as a form of absorption of China's previous successes in poverty alleviation.

"We hope that the two countries can work to encourage the realization of this program," concluded Luhut.