TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi said Indonesia and Qatar signed five memorandums of understanding on education, air transportation, sports, health, and the establishment of a joint commission.

“We have agreed to immediately follow up what we have discussed in a bilateral meeting held recently,” President Jokowi said during a press conference at the Bogor Palace on Wednesday, October 18.

Earlier today, President Jokowi welcomed Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani to discuss cooperation potentials between the two countries. The meeting was a follow up of President Jokowi’s visit to Qatar back in 2015.

During the visit, the Qatari Emir was accompanied by nine ministers and dozens of Qatari business owners to specify cooperation to be established.

Based on Tempo’s observation, the MoUs were signed by relevant ministers. From the Indonesia side, ministers involved in the signing were Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, Health Minister Nila Moeloek, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, and Education Minister Muhadjir Effendi. Qatar was represented by Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

President Jokowi added Indonesia and Qatar have also agreed to strengthen ties in the investment sector. One of the projects to be jointly developed is the US$1.3 billion worth of Nebras Power at PT Payton Energy.

“In addition, [Qatar will invest] in the US$1 billion worth of gas and steam-fueled power plant (PLTGU) project with PT Pembangkit Jawa Bali,” President Jokowi revealed.

President Jokowi said that he also called on the Qatari government to pay attention to 43,000 Indonesian people working in Qatar.

ISTMAN MUSAHARUN PRAMADIBA