"One of the issues discussed at the meeting is the possibility of cooperation between Aramco and Pertamina to build an oil refinery in Cilacap."Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) held a meeting with Saudi Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources Minister Khalid Al-Falih for following up on cooperation between Aramco and Pertamina on constructing an oil refinery in Cilacap, Central Java.
The meeting, at the Royal Guest House in Riyadh, Sunday, to discuss details on the cooperation between Saudi oil giant Aramco and Indonesian state-owned energy holding company Pertamina, was held as part of Jokowi's working visit to Saudi Arabia.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, present along with the president at the meeting, revealed that the Saudi minister had praised Jokowi's action to usher in reform aimed at encouraging Saudi firms to forge cooperation with their Indonesian counterparts.
"One of the matters under discussion at the meeting is the likelihood of cooperation between Aramco and Pertamina for constructing an oil refinery in Cilacap," Presidential Secretariat's Deputy for Protocol, Press, and Media Bey Machmudin quoted Marsudi as saying after the conclusion of the meeting.
Marsudi remarked that one aspect linked to the valuation of the planned oil refinery's assets had yet to be solved at the meeting.
The minister echoed President Jokowi's keenness to witness a prompt resolution to the asset valuation process.
"Soon after arrival in Indonesia, the president will meet with several ministers to tackle the issue," she remarked.
Saudi Arabia has also expressed keenness to cooperate in the petrochemical sector with Indonesia, the minister affirmed.
"A Saudi delegation is expected to visit Indonesia to discuss a plan to enhance cooperation in the fields of energy with regard to the oil and petrochemical industry," she stated.
Chief of Presidential Staff Moeldoko and Indonesian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Agus Maftuh Abegebriel were also seen at the meeting along with Jokowi.
Translator: Hanni Sofia, Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
