President Jokowi and President Biden: From the Pandemic to the G20 Presidency

Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) discussed Indonesia and United States cooperation in a bilateral meeting with the President of the United States (US), Joe Biden, at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), Glasgow, Scotland, Monday (01/11/2021), as part of the COP26 summit.

First, Indonesia appreciates US's cooperation in the health sector during the pandemic, starting from vaccine stocks through dose sharing mechanisms, ventilators, therapeutic drugs, and other medical devices.

President Jokowi said Indonesia was interested in becoming part of the global supply chain in the health sector through the development of the Indonesian health industry.  

President Joko Widodo discussed strengthening cooperation between Indonesia and the United States in a bilateral meeting with the President of the United States, Joe Biden, in Glasgow, Scotland, Monday (01/11/2021) (Photo: BPMI Setpres/Laily Rachev)

Second, President Jokowi stated the importance of strengthening economic cooperation in developing a green economy. According to the President, Indonesia can become a reliable partner for US's economic cooperation.

Third, with regard to the climate change, President Jokowi reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to reduce carbon emissions. Indonesia has shown good results in significantly reducing deforestation rates and forest fires are at their lowest point in 20 years.

“I will restore mangrove forests to 600 thousand hectares in the next three years. This will be the largest mangrove forest conservation in the world,” he echoed the previous statement when meeting with French president in G20 summit. 

In the energy sector, President Jokowi said that he had launched Indonesia's transformation towards new and renewable energy, as well as economic acceleration based on green technology.

President Jokowi also invited the US to invest in new and renewable energy, including the development of an electric car and lithium battery ecosystem. 

"I look forward to US support through support that helps the energy transition, particularly low-tech," he added.

Lastly, regarding the G20 Presidency of Indonesia, President Jokowi highly appreciates the US support for the Indonesian presidency which takes the theme "Recover Together, Recover Stronger". 

Inclusivity will be the key to Indonesia's presidency next year. During the presidency, Indonesia wants to encourage cooperation in key sectors such as ensuring an inclusive digital transition for growth and development, encouraging investment and transfer of affordable carbon technology, and covering finance, especially for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women and vulnerable groups. 

"We must have a relevant G20 not only for its members, but also for the world, especially developing countries," said President Jokowi to Joe Biden.

President Jokowi and Joe Biden also expressed concern about the coup in Burma and agreed the Burmese military must cease violence, release all political prisoners, and provide for a swift return to democracy. President Biden expressed support for ASEAN’s efforts to hold the Burmese military accountable to the ASEAN Five Point Consensus.