Japan Delegates Visit Palace; Jokowi Requests Masela Fast-tracked

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo today received a visit from a delegation from the Japan Indonesia Association (JAPINDA) led by former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda. At the state palace, they talked with Jokowi about the development of the Masela Block in Maluku.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said that the president wants Masela's development completed immediately.

"The president hopes that it could be completed sooner," Airlangga said at the Palace Complex, Wednesday, November 20.

Airlangga said that Masela's development has entered the stages of design preparation and land acquisition. The government requested that the project use local content and employ local workers.

"The project will last from 2022 to 2027," he said.

Widodo also said that he wants agriculture and technology partnerships between Indonesia and Japan to improve. Joko Widodo, Airlangga said, would be happy if Japan gets involved in tourism development for Lake Toba, Borobudur, Mandalika, and Labuan Bajo.

"The President also conveyed the preparation of an omnibus law that will solve investment problems. He also talked about simplifying bureaucracy and new policies related to the negative investment list, which would, of course, raise investments," Airlangga said.

The minister added that Jokowi also wants a framework for the cooperation of both nations in human resource and technology development.

"Mr. Fukuda said that Japan will assign its ambassador to communicate with relevant ministries," he said.

Ahmad Faiz Ibnu Sani