Indonesia, Congo Agree to Form Bilateral Cooperation

Jakarta, InfoPublik - The Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs received a visit from the Deputy Prime Minister who is also the Minister of Defense and Minister of Finance of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and his delegation on 11-13 May 2023.

In an effort to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the DRC will propose opening an embassy in Indonesia, and it is hoped that Indonesia will also open an embassy in Kinshasa.

It is expected that bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will yield substantial benefits for both nations, particularly in the areas of economic growth and security.

"We hope that through this cooperation, Indonesia will become a strategic partner for the DRC and that the two countries will work together to achieve common goals," said Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan on Tuesday (16 May).

Coordinating Minister Luhut also explained the electricity development program and the Village Fund, both of which will be implemented in industrial zones dispersed throughout various regions of Indonesia. Through this program, companies will construct a polytechnic and provide 5 MW of electricity to satisfy the needs of the surrounding villages.

Coordinating Minister Luhut emphasized the commitment of the Indonesian government to increase investment and industrial development while addressing environmental, educational, and social welfare concerns.

"We are committed to ensuring that industrial zones in Indonesia continue to pay attention to environmental and social aspects so that they can provide sustainable benefits for the community and the surrounding environment," he concluded.

During their time in Indonesia, the delegation visited a number of military and mining industries and met with associated stakeholders.

As a follow-up to the visit, the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs has submitted a Letter of Intent on bilateral cooperation to explore cooperation in several sectors, including:

1. Forest and Carbon Coalition;

Indonesia proposes cooperation between Indonesia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Brazil in forming a forest and carbon coalition to promote sustainable forest management, reduce deforestation, and enhance carbon sequestration capacity to combat climate change.

2. Mining Investment;

Indonesia is keen to explore mining sector cooperation with the DRC in order to accomplish mutual benefits, sustainable economic growth, and the development of both countries. In order to improve the DRC's mining sector's operational capabilities, Indonesia will transfer knowledge and develop capacity there.

3. Military Training;

The Indonesian Military (TNI) plans to enhance DRC's military capabilities through joint military training, and Pindad will provide military equipment including uniforms, light weapons, armored vehicles, air force equipment, and training for soldiers and special forces.

4. Development of Oil Palm Plantations;

Since both countries have experience in the field of sustainable oil palm cultivation, Indonesia has expressed interest in exploring cooperation in the development of oil palm plantations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In addition, Indonesia will export raw materials and finished products until the DRC has its own processing facility.

Reporter: Baheramsyah

Photo: Istimewa