Jokowi Meets French President Emmanuel Macron, This Is What They Talked About

President Jokowi holds a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, at the Splendide Royal Hotel, Rome, Italy, Saturday (30/10/2021). (Photo: BPMI Setpres/Laily Rachev)

JAKARTA - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) appreciates the progress of defense cooperation between Indonesia and France. This became one of the points of discussion by President Jokowi when he held a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Splendide Royal Hotel, Rome, Italy, Saturday, October 30.

"President Macron, at this meeting I want to say three things. First, I welcome the progress of Indonesia-France defense cooperation. The defense cooperation agreement by the Ministers of Defense of the two countries was signed last June," said President Joko Widodo as reported by the Cabinet Secretary's official website.

According to the President, the agreement must also open up space for strategic cooperation, including joint production. The President said that French investment in the defense equipment industry in Indonesia would also be highly appreciated.

Second, President Jokowi and President Macron discussed climate change. President Jokowi believes that the consistent implementation of the Paris Agreement is very important. “Indonesia chooses to work to fulfill commitments. Indonesia's NDC commitment so far is on the right track. Indonesia is also targeting net zero emissions by 2060 or earlier with international support," he explained.

Furthermore, the President explained that in the midst of increasing forest fires in many countries, forest fires in Indonesia are actually at their lowest point in 20 years. Indonesia has also succeeded in reducing the rate of deforestation significantly. “I will restore the mangrove forest up to 600 thousand hectares in the next 3 years. This will be the largest mangrove forest conservation in the world,” he added.

Regarding energy, last August, President Jokowi launched Indonesia's transformation towards new and renewable energy, as well as economic acceleration based on green technology. To that end, President Jokowi invites France to increase cooperation in the development of affordable technology and investment so that energy and economic transformation can run faster.

The third issue discussed by the two leaders is the Indonesian Presidency at the G20 next year. President Jokowi explained that the Indonesian Presidency will prioritize inclusiveness in the post-pandemic world economic recovery. With this spirit, Indonesia chose to carry the theme "Recover Together, Recover Stronger".

“I expect French support for the success of the Indonesian Presidency at the G20. During the Indonesian Presidency at the G20, France will also serve as rotating President of the Council of the European Union. This will be a strategic moment for Indonesia-France cooperation, both in the bilateral context, ASEAN-EU, and G20-EU," he explained.

In addition, the two Presidents also exchanged ideas on Indo-Pacific cooperation. President Jokowi conveyed the importance of economic cooperation, achievement of SDGs, maritime affairs, and connectivity in the Indo-Pacific region, as contained in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. It is believed that concrete cooperation will be able to reduce tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

Also present to accompany President Jokowi in the bilateral meeting were Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi.