Pocketing Various Cooperations, Prabowo’s Visit from Türkiye-Jordan

President Prabowo Subianto brought a series of ‘souvenirs’ after conducting working visits to various countries a week ago. Prabowo visited the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan. Several economic agreements were souvenirs that Prabowo brought from his series of visits.

1. Agreement in the Defense Industry

Prabowo said that Indonesia wants to participate in the development of advanced combat vehicles with Turkey. Prabowo conveyed this desire during a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Initially, Prabowo explained that Indonesia and Turkey already had a joint venture agreement to form a defense company.

“We also have an agreement to create an important joint venture between strategic defense companies between our two countries. We are very grateful,” Prabowo explained in a joint press statement after a bilateral meeting with Erdogan, broadcast virtually, Thursday (10/4/2025).

Through this cooperation, Prabowo stated that Indonesia wants to participate in developing advanced KAAN fighter jets and submarines with Türkiye.

“Indonesia wants to participate in the cooperation in developing the fifth generation KAAN fighter jet and also in the development of submarines with the Turkish industry,” said Prabowo.

Still on Turkey, Prabowo also invited Turkish entrepreneurs to build the battery industry, renewable energy, and textile industry. Indonesia will also open the red carpet to carry out infrastructure development in Indonesia.

2. Investment of IDR 33 Trillion with Danantara

During his safari in the Middle East, Prabowo also received a large investment commitment from Qatar. He said, the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani wanted to invest in a project with the Investment Management Agency (BPI) Daya Anagata Nusantara (Danantara).

The number one person in Indonesia stated that the Emir of Qatar would invest US$ 2 billion or IDR 33.4 trillion (exchange rate of IDR 16,700) with Danantara. The investment was made by combining one joint fund between the two parties.

“I think the meeting was very good, productive, we agreed to increase cooperation. He (the Emir of Qatar) will invest with Danantara. One joint fund, he committed US$ 2 billion, yes,” Prabowo explained when giving a press statement after the meeting, quoted Monday (14/4/2025).

Unfortunately, Prabowo did not specify what projects would be invested in with Danantara. He only emphasized that this would be followed up immediately. In Qatar, Prabowo also strengthened bilateral cooperation through the establishment of a Strategic Dialogue (SD) mechanism which is held annually at the level of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. This Strategic Dialogue aims to encourage more intensive cooperation in various strategic fields. Among them are politics, international and regional issues, defense and security, economy and energy, agriculture and food security, tourism, science and technology, health, sports, youth, protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI), and collaboration in various multilateral forums.

3. Cheap Fertilizer Raw Materials

During a visit to Jordan, Prabowo said that Indonesia would become a regular buyer of fertilizer raw materials from that country. According to him, everything from phosphate to potash can be obtained at a low price in Jordan. This was stated by Prabowo after meeting with King Abdullah II in Amman, Jordan. According to Prabowo, in the discussion with King Abdullah II, there were many commitments to increase cooperation between the two parties.

“Yes, we discussed increasing cooperation in several fields, education, science, technology, economy,” said Prabowo in a press statement broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat YouTube account, Tuesday (4/15/2025).

Prabowo also praised Jordan for making great progress in agricultural technology. Indonesia also wants to learn a lot from there. He introduced the Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman during a bilateral meeting. Amran sat with Prabowo and other delegates at a long table facing King Abdullah II and his delegates. This cooperation is expected to advance the agricultural sector in Indonesia.

April 16, 2025, detikFinance

(https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-7870502/kado-prabowo-usai-dari-turki-yordania)

2 Indonesian Airports Enter World’s 100 Best List, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Ranked 25th

Two Indonesian airports are among the world’s best airports according to Skytrax. Among them are Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). The best airports according to Skytrax were selected based on a survey conducted on 13 million air transport users from more than 100 countries at 565 airports worldwide in the period August 2024 – February 2025. Passengers surveyed were asked to rate the airport based on their experience at airport service points, starting from check-in, arrival, transfer, shopping, security checks, immigration, to departure.

President Director of PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero) or InJourney Maya Watono said that Soekarno-Hatta Airport has successfully risen to 25th place from 28th place in the World’s Top 100 Airports 2025 category. Not only that, but Indonesia’s pride airport also achieved 3rd place in the Best Airports 2025 by Size (50 to 60 Million Passengers) category and is in 9th place for Best Airports in Asia 2025.

In terms of service, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is among the best by achieving 10th place for Best Airport Staff in Asia 2025 and 10th place in World’s Best Airport Immigration Services 2025.

“In recognition of the improvement in the quality of its services, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has also achieved Certified 4 Star Airport Rating 2025 status, after maintaining its 3 Star Airport predicate since 2013,” he said in a written statement, Friday (11/4/2025).

Maya added that I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport also recorded positive achievements in the 2025 world airport awards. In the World’s Top 100 Airports 2025 category, this airport managed to rise two ranks, from 74th to 72nd. Then, I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport won recognition as one of the best regional airports in Asia by ranking 6th in the Best Regional Airports in Asia 2025 category.

“Airport transformation is a very important process for the development of Indonesia’s aviation and tourism industry. Airports as the face of the nation must have good quality of service so that they give a beautiful impression when people first visit Indonesia,” he said.

Furthermore, Maya said that the transformation process at 36 under the management of InJourney Airports will also continue to be carried out with the aim of improving services to passengers. The transformation is carried out fundamentally, covering aspects of premises, processes, and people, and is supported by the implementation of technology as an enabler.

April 11, 2025, detikFinance

(https://finance.detik.com/infrastruktur/d-7863957/2-bandara-ri-masuk-daftar-100-terbaik-dunia-soetta-di-peringkat-25)

8 Points of Cooperation from the Prabowo-MBZ Meeting in Abu Dhabi

President Prabowo Subianto together with the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) witnessed eight cooperation agreements between the two countries that were agreed in the form of Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) and Letters of Intent (LoI). The results of the cooperation include investments in milk production to the development of Solar Power Plants (PLTS). The announcement was made at the end of the bilateral meeting of the two heads of state held at the Qasr Al Shatie Palace, Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday (9/4/2025).

The eight documents consist of four cooperation agreements between governments (Government to Government/G-to-G) and four cooperation agreements between business actors (Business to Business/B-to-B). This cooperation reflects the increasingly close strategic relationship between Indonesia and the UAE in various fields.

The four G-to-G MoUs that were announced include:

  1. Statement of Intent between the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Coordinating Ministry for Food of the Republic of Indonesia on the Nature and Climate Partnership;
  2. Second Amendment Protocol to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Government of the UAE on Maritime and Fisheries Cooperation;
  3. Memorandum of Understanding between the UAE Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indonesian National Police on Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation; and
  4. Memorandum of Understanding between the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs and the General Authority for Islam, Waqf, and Zakat of the UAE on Cooperation in the Field of Islam and Waqf.

Meanwhile, the four B-to-B agreements submitted were:

  1. Memorandum of Understanding between the Directorate General of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia, and Al-Ain Farms for Livestock Production of the UAE on Investment in Milk Production;
  2. Memorandum of Understanding between Ninety Degree General Trading LLC and PT Pindad;
  3. Agreement in Principle Regarding the Addition of the Capacity of the Cirata Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant; and
  4. Memorandum of Understanding between PT PLN (Persero) and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – MASDAR regarding the Jatigede 100 MW Floating PLTS Development Plan.

Prabowo also revealed the closed discussion held with MBZ in the meeting. The two leaders discussed various global strategic issues including the creation of peace in Gaza, Palestine.

“Of course I consulted with various geopolitical developments. We want to get input, thoughts, views from leaders in this region. Of course, we all think about how we can help resolve the conflict in this region, in Gaza, and its surroundings,” said Prabowo.

Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia continues to be committed to creating peaceful solutions through a diplomatic approach. Therefore, intensive communication and consultation with world leaders is very important.

April 9, 2025, CNBC Indonesia

(https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20250409194547-4-624709/ini-8-poin-kerja-sama-hasil-pertemuan-prabowo-mbz-di-abu-dhabi)

Energy Security, Energy Self-Sufficiency, and the Golden Indonesia Target 2045

The debate between energy security and energy self-sufficiency becomes increasingly relevant in the context of Indonesia targeting the Golden Indonesia 2045. Conceptually, energy self-sufficiency refers to a country’s ability to fully meet its energy needs without relying on imports. Meanwhile, energy security focuses more on ensuring the availability of stable, affordable, and sustainable energy, including through imports if necessary. From a policy perspective, an approach that focuses only on energy self-sufficiency can face major obstacles, both in terms of infrastructure, investment, and global market volatility. Therefore, this paper argues that energy security should be a top priority in Indonesia’s national energy strategy.

Energy Self-Sufficiency: Ambition or Reality?

Indonesia is often referred to as a country rich in energy resources. However, empirical data shows major challenges in achieving energy self-sufficiency:

Oil and Gas: Data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) shows that Indonesia’s oil production has fallen from 1.6 million barrels per day (bpd) in 1995 to only around 575 thousand bpd in 2024, while consumption has reached 1.6 million bpd. This has resulted in import dependence of more than 60%.

Natural Gas: Indonesia’s gas reserves reach 100 trillion cubic feet (TCF). However, exploration of deep sea areas is still constrained by high costs and technology.

Coal: Indonesia is the largest coal exporter, but domestic consumption is increasing, and downstream policies still face implementation obstacles.

Renewable Energy: Although the potential for renewable energy is very large (more than 400 GW from solar, wind, and hydro), the realization of installed capacity is still below 12%. From this data, it is clear that energy self-sufficiency without a strong resilience strategy will face major obstacles, both in terms of supply, technology, and investment.

Energy Resilience: A Realistic and Sustainable Choice

The energy resilience approach allows Indonesia to continue to rely on domestic energy sources but with greater flexibility through energy diversification and international cooperation. Indonesia can take several steps to strengthen energy resilience with the following strategies:

Energy Diversification. Relying on oil and gas is not sustainable in the long term. Therefore, energy policy must prioritize a broader energy mix, including increasing the contribution of renewable energy and exploring new, more efficient reserves.

Transition to Clean Energy. Energy self-sufficiency based on fossil fuels is an expensive and inefficient strategy. Energy security allows for a faster transition to clean energy, with investment in energy storage technology and smart grid infrastructure.

Increasing Efficiency and Accessibility. Energy efficiency is key to reducing import needs. Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) shows that countries with high energy efficiency can save more than 20% of national energy consumption. Indonesia needs to adopt stricter efficiency policies in the industrial and transportation sectors.

Sustainable Energy Infrastructure Development. The availability of energy resources does not automatically mean energy security. Investment in infrastructure, such as modern electricity grids, smart grids, and energy storage technology, must be a top priority.

Strategic Reserves and Global Cooperation. Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) need to be increased to ensure supply stability. Currently, Indonesia only has reserves of around 20 days of consumption, far below the standards of developed countries such as the US (60 days) and Japan (90 days).

Conclusion and Policy Recommendations

Although energy self-sufficiency is an ideal goal, energy security is a more realistic and sustainable step. To achieve strong energy security, Indonesia must:

1. Increase the renewable energy mix to 35% by 2045 to reduce dependence on fossil fuels; 2. Build a strategic energy reserve (SPR) of at least 60 days of consumption to anticipate global energy market volatility; 3. Optimize energy efficiency in the industrial and transportation sectors to reduce dependence on imported energy; 4. Strengthen international energy cooperation to maintain stable energy supply and prices; 5. Accelerate investment in energy infrastructure such as smart grids and energy storage technology.

With this strategy, Indonesia can ensure that its energy supply remains safe, stable, and affordable, without having to force energy self-sufficiency which is difficult to achieve in the short term. The mindset transformation from energy security to more measurable energy self-sufficiency must be a top priority in national energy policy.

April 8, 2025, CNBC Indonesia

(https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/opini/20250408055430-14-624068/ketahanan-energi-swasembada-energi-dan-target-indonesia-emas-2045)

Trump Imposes 32% Trade Tariff on Indonesia, Here Are Three Indonesian Strategies

Indonesia is one of the countries affected by the latest US trade tariffs. The imposition of import tariffs from a number of countries, including 32% for Indonesian goods entering the United States (US), was announced by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (2/4/2025) local time. INDEF economist Eisha Maghfiruha Rachbini explained that the implementation of tariffs on Indonesian export products to the US would have a direct impact. The tariffs will have a significant impact on Indonesia’s exports to the US, such as textiles, footwear, electronics, furniture, and agricultural and plantation products, such as palm oil, rubber, and fisheries.

“In theory, with the implementation of tariffs, there will be trade diversion from low-cost markets to high-cost markets. So that it will have an impact on high costs for exporters for superior commodities and slow production and employment,” said Eisha in her official statement, quoted Thursday (3/4/2025).

She also believes that the government needs to conduct trade negotiations with the US immediately in order to minimize the impact of tariffs on Indonesian export products to the US. Diplomatic negotiation power is very crucial in mitigating the impact of the trade war with the US.

“The government needs to optimize bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, CEPA, and initiate cooperation agreements with non-traditional countries to encourage exports of affected products, such as textiles, footwear, electronics, furniture, and agricultural and plantation products, such as palm oil, rubber, fisheries. So that exporters and affected industries can shift export markets,” he said.

Not only that, financial incentive policies, subsidies, and tax breaks also need to be implemented by the government to help businesses overcome increased costs and reduced demand due to the impact of tariffs and the US trade war.

In response to trade tariffs, the government of President Prabowo Subianto claims to have prepared a strategy to counter the impact of US President Donald Trump’s policy regarding import tariffs. According to the Deputy for Dissemination and Information Media of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Noudhy Valdryno, there are three “major breakthroughs” that have been made long ago to deal with the turmoil.

He said that these three policies synergize to keep Indonesia growing and developing even in a situation of global economic disruption. The three policies include:

1. Expansion of Trading Partners

Noudhy explained that Indonesia’s joining the BRICS economic alliance strengthens Indonesia’s position in international trade. According to him, Indonesia’s membership in BRICS strengthens various multilateral trade agreements. Indonesia has signed agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) with 10 ASEAN countries and Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand, which covers 27% of global trade, as well as accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) which covers 64% of global trade. Including several other trade agreements CP-TPP, IEU-CEPA, and I-EAEU CEPA.

2. Acceleration of Downstream Natural Resources

According to Noudhy, the Prabowo government prioritizes downstream policies. One successful example is the nickel commodity. In addition, Prabowo has also launched the Danantara Investment Management Agency which is claimed to accelerate the downstreaming of strategic Natural Resources.

“BPI Danantara will fund and manage downstream projects in key sectors such as minerals, coal, oil, natural gas, plantations, maritime, fisheries, and forestry,” he said.

3. Strengthening Domestic Consumption

According to Noudhy, the Free Nutritious Meal Program and the establishment of 80,000 red and white village cooperatives aim to increase domestic consumption and reduce dependence on imports, as well as strengthen the domestic economy. It is hoped that the program can boost household consumption which contributes 54% of Indonesia’s GDP.

“By strengthening international trade relations, optimizing the potential of natural resources, and increasing domestic consumption, President Prabowo has proven that Indonesia can continue to grow even in the midst of a global situation full of uncertainty,” said Noudhy.

April 3, 2025, CNBC Indonesia

(https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20250403175307-4-623475/trump-kenakan-tarif-32-ekonom-indef-wanti-wanti-dampaknya-ke-ri) (https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20250403213130-4-623513/ini-tiga-senjata-presiden-prabowo-hadapi-tarif-trump)

Indonesia Secures $60m for Floating Solar Project through JETP

Standard Chartered, Germany’s development finance institution DEG, and France’s Proparco on Tuesday announced a US$60 million investment to fund the construction and operation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Indonesia. The 92 megawatt-peak (MWp) Saguling floating solar photovoltaic plant, located in West Java, will be run by Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and state-owned electricity company PLN’s subsidiary PLN Indonesia Power.

The plant is slated to begin operations in 2026. Once operational, it is expected to offset more than 63,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), of which Standard Chartered is a member.

The project, part of Indonesia’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), marks the first project-level financing deal since the US formally withdrew from the initiative earlier this year. The US commitment in Indonesia is greater than $2 billion, made up of non-concessional loans, multilateral development bank (MDB) guarantees, and grants.

Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto said in the statement that the Saguling project symbolized global collaboration: “It represents our joint commitment to accelerate the clean energy transition and support inclusive, sustainable growth.”

French Ambassador to Indonesia, ASEAN, and Timor-Leste Fabien Penone said France had committed more than €450 million ($513 million) to support Indonesia’s energy transition under the JETP.

“The financing by the French development finance institution Proparco of the Saguling floating solar PV plant highlights our commitment to foster innovative renewable energies in Indonesia and to support its sustainable economic growth,” he said in the same statement.

Initially, Indonesia was banking on the $21.6 billion in JETP pledges to transition from coal to cleaner energy. Roughly half of that funding, or $11.6 billion, is supposed to be raised from the public sector, particularly from the International Partners Group (IPG) members as donor nations, namely Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. Washington had pledged to contribute over 20 percent of those public funds, the largest among all IPG members, but has since pulled out of JETP Indonesia. The rest of the JETP pledges are to be provided by the private sector under the coordination of GFANZ, consisting of Bank of America, Citi, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, Macquarie, MUFG, and Standard Chartered. Indonesia is pinning its hopes on Germany and Japan, the new JETP co-leaders, to revive the flailing initiative and accelerate the country’s shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

German Ambassador Ina Lepel, in the same statement on Tuesday, said the agreement highlighted growing collaboration between the International Partners Group and GFANZ, marking “a new phase” where JETP projects were mature enough to secure investment contracts. The coal-dependent nation requires large sums of funding, especially grants for non-bankable projects like the early retirement of coal-fired power plants and the development of a green electricity transmission network. With years having passed since the signing of the JETP initiative, but with little change on the ground, however, Jakarta has begun questioning the commitment of the JETP donor countries.

April 30, 2025, The Jakarta Post

(https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2025/04/30/ri-secures-60m-for-floating-solar-project-through-jetp.html)

Indonesia Exports 10,000 Tons of Zinc-Coated Steel to the United States Worth US$ 10 Million

PT AM/NS Indonesia, one of the iron and steel producers in Indonesia, exported 10,000 tons of Zinc-coated Steel (Galvanized) products to the United States (US) market. The export value of this shipment reached around US$ 10 million. President Director of PT AM/NS Indonesia, Murali Krishna Chunduru, said that this export activity was an important part of the company’s efforts to strengthen its business in the international market.

“This export is one of the strategic achievements for the company in expanding market reach and strengthening our position in the global market,” said Murali in an official statement, Wednesday (4/30/2025).

Currently, the United States and Canada are the main export markets for PT AM/NS Indonesia’s galvanized products. The company targets exports to the US of 5,000 – 6,000 tons per month, and exports to Canada of around 3,000-4,000 tons per quarter, depending on market dynamics.

In addition to strengthening the main market, PT AM/NS Indonesia also plans to expand access to newly targeted markets such as Europe, Malaysia, and Australia, along with the opportunities that arise due to trade protection policies from various countries. Murali said that amidst this export achievement, the national steel industry still faces structural challenges. One of them is the rampant import of non-standard steel that has not received maximum protection from domestic regulations.

“We need government intervention to stop the entry of non-standard steel, such as products with substandard thickness or lower protective coatings,” Murali added.

Regarding the steel import tariff policy to the US, Murali said that steel products are subject to a flat tariff of 25% under Section 232. However, this condition actually opens up opportunities for the company considering that several competing countries such as China, Vietnam, and India are subject to higher anti-dumping duties.

“We have a competitive advantage in terms of both quality and price, so we are able to meet the needs of the US market which is now looking for new suppliers,” he said.

The company is targeting sales this year of 300,000 tons, growing around 8-9% compared to the previous year. The company also continues to commit to improving product quality to meet domestic and international market demand. “We will continue to innovate and maintain world-class manufacturing standards across our product lines,” Murali said.

April 30, 2025, detikFinance

(https://finance.detik.com/industri/d-7893004/ri-ekspor-10-000-ton-baja-lapis-seng-ke-as-us-10-juta)

World Bank, IMF, and Bank Indonesia Predict Indonesian Economy to Grow 4.7% in 2025

The World Bank estimates that Indonesia’s economic growth will grow by 4.7% this year. This projection was released in the Regional Economic Update 2025 report, today, Friday (4/25/2025). This projection for Indonesia is lower than the projection at the beginning of this year, which was 5.1%. This projection is based on the uncertain global situation which has hampered investment and consumption in the East Asia and Pacific region. In addition, trade restrictions will also affect the economic growth of Indonesia and East Asian countries.

“Trade restrictions are expected to impact the level of East Asia and Pacific exports, while slowing global growth is likely to further reduce external demand,” wrote the World Bank.

The World Bank’s projection is the same as the projections of BI and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Last Tuesday (22/4/2025), the IMF estimated that Indonesia’s economic growth would reach 4.7% in 2025. The IMF cut Indonesia’s economic growth quite sharply to 4.7% in 2025 and 2026. This projection is much lower than the forecast in January 2025. At that time, the IMF projected that Indonesia’s economy would grow by 5.1%. This projection reduction is similar to the global economic slowdown due to the high trade tariff war, which was first implemented by US President Donald Trump against its main trading partner countries, and China responded with high reciprocal tariffs.

“If it continues, the sudden increase in tariffs and the uncertainty that accompanies it will slow global growth significantly,” said IMF Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas at a press conference on Tuesday night (22/4/2025) Indonesian time.

In line with the IMF, Bank Indonesia (BI) estimates that Indonesia’s economic growth has the potential to weaken this year, due to the tariff war between the main trading partners of the United States and China. BI Governor Perry Warjiyo said that the trade war that hampers international trade activities and investment will cause the economy to move in the lower range of the midpoint of 4.7%-5.5%.

“Slightly below the midpoint of the 4.7%-5.5% range is influenced by US tariffs that reduce Indonesian exports to the US and a decrease in export demand from other countries,” Perry emphasized during a press conference on the results of the Bank Indonesia Board of Governors (RDG) Meeting, quoted on Thursday (24/4/2025).

BI’s economic growth projection for the lower point of 4.7% is similar to the IMF’s projection of the potential slowdown in the Indonesian economy this year to 2026, which is also in the range of 4.7%.

April 25, 2025, CNBC Indonesia

(https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20250425113522-4-628699/bank-dunia-imf-dan-bi-kompak-ramal-ekonomi-ri-tumbuh-47-di-2025)

Boost Tourism, Two More Indonesian Geoparks Get UNESCO Recognition

The United Nations cultural body has recognized two geoparks in Central Java and South Kalimantan, namely Kebumen and Meratus, as UNESCO global geoparks, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. They are among the 16 new global geoparks that have just been approved by the UNESCO executive board in a session in Paris, France, the ministry said in the press release. This followed their nominations by the Global Geoparks Council late last year.

“The UNESCO recognition is evidence of Indonesia’s contribution to preserving Earth heritage,” Mohamad Oemar, Indonesia permanent delegation to UNESCO, said in the press release from the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.

“At the same time, it signifies a responsibility to preserve, manage sustainably and promote our geological sites and culture,” said Oemar, who is also the ambassador to France.

Located in the southern part of Central Java, Kebumen geopark stretches across an area of about 1,100 square kilometers. According to a UNESCO document, the geopark has conical hills to the southwest and flat alluvial plains to the southeast. The highlight of the geopark is its records of plate tectonic activities that date back as far as 119 million years ago.

The Meratus geopark, meanwhile, covers an area of about 3,600 sq km at the southern tip of South Kalimantan. The landscape has many valleys, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and karst landforms. It is home to Banjar and Dayak people.The geopark features the Meratus Mountains, which are characterized by ophiolite, an exposed oceanic crust that is globally rare. According to the UNESCO document, although ophiolites are found elsewhere in Indonesia, the Meratus Mountains preserve the most complete ophiolite sequence and the oldest in the country.

A UNESCO global geopark is an area that features landscapes of international geological significance. A geopark must be managed with a concept that combines conservation, public outreach and sustainable development.

The inclusion of Kebumen and Meratus brings the number of Indonesian geoparks in the UNESCO list of global geoparks to 12. They include famous tourist destinations Raja Ampat in Papua, which is known for its underwater beauty, and Rinjani-Lombok geopark in West Nusa Tenggara that features Mount Rinjani, known for its breathtaking peak and crescent-shaped crater lake named Segara Anak.

Other geoparks are Toba caldera in North Sumatra, Batur in Bali, Ciletuh in West Java, Ijen in East Java, Belitung in Bangka Belitung Islands, Merangin in Jambi, Maros Pangkep in South Sulawesi and Mount Sewu, which is located along the borders of three provinces in Java.

Holding the status of UNESCO global geopark can help local communities boost tourism. Apart from Indonesia, several other countries had their geoparks recognized this year, such as Norway with its Fjord Coast, Vietnam with Lang Son, South Korea with Danyang and Gyeongbuk Donghaean, North Korea with Mount Paektu and Ecuador with Tungurahua Volcano and Napo Sumaco.

April 16, 2025, The Jakarta Post

(https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2025/04/16/two-more-indonesian-geoparks-get-unesco-recognition.html)

B2B Platform “Indonesia-Australia Skills Exchange” Officially Launched

The first Indonesia-Australia digital training platform has been officially launched to connect Indonesian businesses with Australian training providers. Accessed via iaskills.org, the Indonesia-Australia Skills Exchange (IASE) platform has attracted the interest of more than 120 Indonesian business entities and more than 50 Australian training providers. This digital platform offers 335 courses in various subjects. Leading Australian institutions that have joined this platform are Melbourne Polytechnic, Swinburne University of Technology, TAFE New South Wales, TAFE South Australia, and others.

The launch of this innovative business-to-business platform is a collaboration between the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) Economic Cooperation Program Katalis with the Indonesian E-Commerce Association (idEA).

Katalis Director Paul Bartlett explained that the courses offered by this program are very diverse. Starting from technical courses to soft skill development. Iaskills.org provides a variety of training opportunities for businesses in Indonesia. This platform bridges the local skills gap and plays an important role in improving workforce skills in various sectors.

“This digital platform responds to the need for quality workforce training in the Indonesian industry and expands the international market for Australian training providers. The high interest from both countries reflects shared optimism about this strategic opportunity to strengthen bilateral partnerships and support the implementation of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (IA-CEPA),” Paul was quoted as saying on Thursday (27/2/2025).

Executive Director of the Indonesia Services Dialogue Council Devi Ariyani said that for the first time, businesses in Indonesia can access Australian training that is specifically designed to suit their needs.

“This will help the Indonesian service industry to develop local talent and access the skills needed to thrive in the modern business environment. We look forward to more collaborations in the future between businesses in Indonesia and Australian training providers,” he explained.

idEA Chairman Hilmi Adrianto added that the IASE platform has a variety of capabilities and features designed to meet training needs, such as online, offline or hybrid delivery options, as well as language preferences and course types.

“idEA welcomes this initiative, which pioneers new opportunities for Indonesian businesses to accelerate their capabilities and stand out in the highly dynamic global digital economy. Targeted training to build a highly skilled workforce is an important foundation for Indonesia’s digital economy industry to advance and become more competitive and globally connected,” he said.

February 28, 2025, CNBC Indonesia(https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/tech/20250227193158-37-614301/platform-b2b-indonesia-australia-skills-exchange-resmi-diluncurkan)