TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko Widodo or Jokowi highlighted investment cooperation in the oil and gas sector during a meeting with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the Bogor State Palace, West Java, on Thursday, January 25. He expressed hope that the partnership would be strengthened further.

“Indonesia looks forward to negotiations between MedcoEnergi [and Tanzania] for LNG cooperation,” he said in a joint press conference after the bilateral meeting. MedcoEnergi is a leading national private energy company based in Jakarta.

The President also looked forward to the immediate realization of PT ESSA Industries Indonesia's investment plan in the fertilizer sector.

In the oil and gas sector, he highlighted the steps taken by state-owned oil and gas giant Pertamina to acquire Wentworth Resources through its subsidiary Maurel & Prom (M&P) last year.

As a reciprocal gesture and a form of Indonesia's commitment to cooperation with Tanzania, the government through Pertamina launched an empowerment program for Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) employees with 100 scholarships, as per the MoU inked during Jokowi's visit five months ago.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed appreciation for the collaboration and believes that this agreement would open up more opportunities for Indonesian investors in Tanzania.

“We are ready to take advantage of Indonesia's experience in the renewable energy sector to advance the development of this extensive and very profitable sector,” said Samia.

Indonesia and Tanzania’s bilateral trade value reached US$339.5 million in 2022, with exports worth US$276 million and imports worth US$63.5 million. Indonesia's main export products to Tanzania include palm oil, paper, and textiles.

During today's meeting, Indonesia led by Jokowi and Tanzania signed five agreements in the fields of agriculture, minerals, bureau and maritime economy, diplomatic capacity, and investment promotion and facilitation.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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