Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto met with US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo at the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore on Wednesday, 5 June 2024. They discussed the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and bilateral issues, aiming to enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Indonesia and the US. Gina Raimondo expressed support for Indonesia's IPEF initiatives, noting US companies' interest in developing data centers in Indonesia. She emphasized the need for streamlined business licensing and highlighted her enthusiasm for Indonesia's role in IPEF, mentioning that 23 US investors participated in the Clean Economy Investor Forum. Airlangga thanked the US for supporting Indonesia’s bid to join the OECD. He highlighted Indonesia’s Special Economic Zone for data centers in Batam, supported by renewable energy, and requested US assistance in developing data centers and fiber optic networks. He outlined opportunities for investment in Indonesia’s renewable energy sector, including carbon capture and storage, solar panels, and geothermal projects. He emphasized Indonesia's openness to US companies in the energy sector.
Airlangga also mentioned Indonesia’s potential to attract funds from the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund and expressed a desire for the US to encourage semiconductor and AI companies to establish industries in Indonesia. He reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to international labor and environmental standards to accelerate the energy transition. Regarding Small Modular Reactors (SMR), he explained Indonesia's openness to SMR investments, which Gina Raimondo supported. Both parties hoped for the timely ratification of the IPEF to boost high-tech industries in Indonesia, create jobs, and enhance global competitiveness. Airlangga invited the US to continue comprehensive cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen regional economic resilience. The meeting was attended by several officials, including the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo, Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Secretary Susiwijono Moegiarso, Ministry Spokesperson Haryo Limanseto, and Assistant Deputy for American and Pacific Economic Cooperation Irwan Sinaga.
