Joe Biden, Jokowi Agree to Elevate US-Indonesia Partnership

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and US President Joe Biden agreed on Monday, November 13, 2023, in Washington, D.C. to elevate the partnership between their two countries to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, who accompanied Jokowi on the visit, said that trade cooperation would be a key focus of the partnership.

Under the CSP, the two countries may need to implement reforms to bolster trade, including an extension of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) facility by the US to Indonesia.

"Indonesia encourages the US Congress to expedite the ratification of the GSP given its importance for the supply chain and the reduction of US dependence on Chinese imports," Hartarto said in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.

He emphasized that wider and more inclusive market access through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) would also be crucial in accommodating the interests of developing nations, including the use of green subsidies under the Inflation Reduction Act.

Regarding investment and development cooperation, Indonesia has welcomed the interest of US investors in the development of the new Indonesian capital (IKN) Nusantara and encourages them to participate in other strategic projects in the country.

During the meeting, Indonesia underscored the importance of forging mutually beneficial partnerships to address global challenges, promote sustainable economic growth, and contribute to world peace.

Jokowi requested Biden's assistance in maintaining global peace, recognizing the US's significant role in achieving global stability.

"I sincerely hope that the US will demonstrate its leadership and stand at the forefront in defending justice and humanity for the Palestinian people, for Palestinian peace and independence based on a two-state solution," he told Biden.

Indonesia also commended the improving dynamics of relations between the United States and China, marked by the reopening of strategic communication channels between the two nations.

Indonesia and ASEAN have reaffirmed their stance not to let the Indo-Pacific region become an arena for influence by major world powers.

Indonesia also expressed its hope that ASEAN countries will gain access to the US market, particularly through support for the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

ANTARA

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