President Joko Widodo, widely known as Jokowi, engaged in extensive discussions regarding potential collaborative ventures and investments between Indonesia and Italy. Among these discussions, one significant aspect involved the ambitious project of constructing Indonesia’s new capital city, known as Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN).
These deliberations took place during a bilateral meeting between President Jokowi and the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, held on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. The summit convened at Bharat Mandapam, IECC, Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, India, on Sunday, September 10, 2023.
During this meeting, President Jokowi extended an invitation to Italy, urging their involvement in fostering the development of an electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem within Indonesia. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of green infrastructure initiatives and the monumental undertaking of constructing the new Indonesian capital city.
In President Jokowi’s own words, “I also invite Italy to collaborate in nurturing the EV ecosystem, facilitating green infrastructure, and actively participating in the establishment of the new Indonesian capital city.”
Within the realm of investments, President Jokowi warmly received Italy’s increased commitment to invest in Indonesia, citing the notable inauguration of the Piaggio factory just last year as a testament to the growing partnership.
Moreover, President Jokowi conveyed his deep appreciation for Italy’s dedication to the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) program. He expressed a strong desire for the expeditious implementation of this commitment, underscoring the pivotal role of financial mobilization in realizing energy transition goals.
In the course of their approximately 20-minute discussion, President Jokowi also sought the support of Prime Minister Meloni concerning Indonesia’s aspiration to attain membership in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Furthermore, during his bilateral meetings with several other nations, President Jokowi extended investment opportunities related to the new Indonesian capital city to France. He lauded President Emmanuel Macron’s active involvement in the IKN project, highlighting, “Regarding investments in strategic sectors, I commend the French Ambassador to Indonesia for facilitating engagements with prospective French investors, resulting in the establishment of four Letters of Intent aimed at bolstering the development of IKN.” President Jokowi expressed his optimism that these agreements would materialize in the near future.
