Jakarta-wapresri.go.id The visit of the United States Vice President Michael Richard Pence to Indonesia is believed able to improve economic relations between the two countries.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla stated this when together with Vice President Mike Pence witnessing the signing and announcement of eleven trade and investment agreements between Indonesia and the US worth a total of more than 10 billion US dollars at the Shangri-la Hotel in Jakarta, Friday (April 21).

Vice President Jusuf Kalla further encouraged US companies to invest in Indonesia that has a lot of potential.

“With more than 250 million people and stable economic and political conditions, Indonesia is a potential country,” he affirmed.

He also added that there are many opportunities for cooperation in the economic field that can be done by both countries.

Meanwhile, in his speech, Vice President Pence appreciated the cooperation that has been established between the US and Indonesia.

“The signing of these agreements is historic and will further strengthen the relations between the two nations and benefit the people of both countries. American companies highly appreciate the open opportunity in Indonesia through these agreements. Today is a very historic day for US and Indonesian economic partnerships,” said Pence.

Vice President Pence stated that the eleven signed agreements are a proof of the spirit of US companies to increase their investment in Indonesia. He also praised the Jokowi-Jusuf Kalla government’s move to improve the business climate in Indonesia.

In the event, Vice President Jusuf Kalla and Vice President Pence witnessed the signing of a contract agreement between state energy firm PT Pertamina and Exxon Mobil in the form of sales of liquefied natural gas of one million tons per year to PT Pertamina for 20 years, starting in 2025. The overall value of this cooperation is estimated to reach US $ 6million.

In addition, a cooperation agreement between state electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) and Pacific Intra Capital LLC in funding to implement advanced metering infrastructure in Indonesia using technology from the United States worth a total of US $ 2 billion was also signed.

Previously, there have been 9 other agreements signed, including cooperation agreements between Applied Materials and PT PLN, Honeywell and PT Dirgantara Indonesia, as well as Lockheed Martin and the Air Force.

World Inspiration

On that occasion, Vice President Pence also appreciated Indonesia’s commitment to freedom, human rights, law enforcement, diversity, and tolerance. He believed that this will bring a better future for Indonesia.

“What Indonesia has been doing will inspire the world,” he concluded.

Also attending the event were Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan, Foreign Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi, Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Thomas Lembong, Head of Vice Presidential Secretariat Mohamad Oemar, and Vice Presidential Expert Team Member Sofjan Wanandi.