Indonesian President Joko Widodo and German Chancellor Angela Merkel conducted a virtual bilateral meeting in which the two leaders shared their views on a number of economic topics.
The bilateral meeting took place on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 鈥� one day after the leaders had met virtually through the political opening part of Hannover Messe 2021. It should be noted that Indonesia is the country partner of Hannover Messe 2021. Being one of the largest trade fairs in the world for industrial technology, Hannover Messe 2021 is the first time the event was ever held in a completely digital format via virtual meetings and livestreamed presentations 鈥� a decision that was taken due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
In the meeting, Chancellor Merkel expressed her appreciation to Indonesia for its participation as the country partner of Hannover Messe 2021 and hoped that the partnership could further strengthen the bilateral relationship between both countries. She also noted the fact that Indonesia will lead the G20 while Germany will take the presidency of the G7 next year, further hoping that both countries could synergize well in their respective positions.
In response, President Widodo said it was honor for Indonesia to be appointed the country partner of Hannover Messe 2021. He also expressed his appreciation to Chancellor Merkel鈥檚 nearly 16-years of leadership of Germany and her contribution in elevating Indonesia鈥檚 and Germany鈥檚 bilateral relations.
As reported by the State Secretariat Office, a number of topics were brought up in the meeting such as cooperation in the fields of healthcare, economy, and climate change.
In terms of healthcare, both leaders shared their experiences in handling COVID-19 in their respective countries, further sharing concerns about the current topic of 鈥渧accine nationalism鈥� which could potentially disrupt the supply of vaccine around the world. Both leaders agreed to strengthen their cooperation in the field of healthcare.
German Industrial Quarter
On the topic of economy, Chancellor Merkel acknowledged the economic potential of Indonesia and its position as an important trade partner for Germany. In response, President Widodo said investment plays an important role for Indonesia鈥檚 economic recovery and that the recently passed Omnibus Law on Job Creation will strengthen the country鈥檚 support to investors.
President Widodo asked the Chancellor to continue cooperating with Indonesia in developing vocational education in the country and to help Indonesia integrate itself into the global supply chain by making Indonesia a part of Germany鈥檚 global supply chain.
鈥淚 would like to offer Germany a German Industrial Quarter in the Batang Integrated Industrial Estate,鈥� said President Widodo.
On the matters of climate change, both leaders expressed their deep commitment in reducing carbon emissions and to ensure sustainable development of its economies.
Germany and Indonesia have had a comprehensive economic partnership since 2012. Germany is Indonesia鈥檚 largest trading partner in Europe, its fourth largest European investor, and is the third largest contributor of European tourists.
Along with President Widodo in the meeting was Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.