TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape expressed interest in studying the downstream industry in Indonesia. Jokowi met with Marape during his state visit to PNG on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.

According to him, Indonesia is open to PNG's interest in studying Indonesia's strategies for the downstream industry of mineral products.

“Indonesia and PNG have abundant minerals. Seeing the results of nickel stocks in Indonesia that provide a very large added value of up to 30 times, PNG wants to see the steps and Indonesia is open to it,” Jokowi said in a statement on Thursday, July 6.

Jokowi invited PNG to send representatives and see directly the downstream industry process in the country, such as in Morowali and Weda Bay for nickel, in Gresik for copper, and Bintan for bauxite.

Jokowi said that through cooperation and transfer of knowledge, it is hoped that there will be continuous progress, especially for southern countries. Relations between the two countries would also be tighter by realizing an economic zone on the border given the potential for large trade value.

“If we look at it, for example, in Skouw, the yearly trade value reaches US$ 300 million. That’s very big. So, if we develop it in other economic zones, it will be good. That's what we have offered, and PNG agrees,” Jokowi said.

Border areas

Apart from the downstream industry, Jokowi mentioned the opening of activities at the border during a bilateral meeting with Marape at APEC Haus, Port Moresby.

“Thank you for the warm welcome, Papua New Guinea is Indonesia's close neighbor and strategic partner, and since our meeting last year, much progress has been made, including the signing and ratification of the MoU regarding opening activities at the border,” he said.

Jokowi also explained that the relationship between the two countries is considered not only as friends but also as allied brothers. In fact, the President uses the philosophy of the people of Papua New Guinea 'Wan' which represents unity and togetherness. “We are 'Wan family'. The closest brother is called a neighbor,” he said.

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH

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