The German president and his entourage arrived at the palace at around 10:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Standard Time (WIB, UTC+7).
After being welcomed by Jokowi, the two heads of state listened to the national anthems of both countries, followed by a 21-gun salute and a troop inspection.
Furthermore, they introduced the delegates from each country.
The Indonesian delegates included Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang, Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahendra Siregar, Director General of America and Europe at THE Foreign Affairs Ministry I Gede Ngurah Swajaya.
Meanwhile, the German delegates comprised German Ambassador to Indonesia Ina Lepel, State Secretary and Head of the Office of Federal President Dörte Dinger, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office Anna Lührmann, Member of the German Federal Parliament Peter Aumer, Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Office of Federal President Wolfgang Silbermann, and Spokesperson of the Federal President Cerstin Gammelin.
After introducing each delegation, Jokowi invited Steinmeier to take a group photo and sign the state guest book in the Lotus Room of the palace.
The welcoming procession was continued with the planting of the sandalwood tree (Santalum album) by the two heads of state.
Furthermore, they headed to the veranda for a brief conversation before holding a bilateral meeting with the delegations.
After the bilateral meeting, the two leaders will hold a joint press statement in the Lotus Room.
The official welcoming ceremony would conclude with a state lunch in the Garuda Room.
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Diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Germany were officially inaugurated in 1952.
Hence, 2022 is a special year for the two countries, as they officially commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
In 2012, Indonesia and Germany agreed on the German-Indonesian Joint Declaration for a Comprehensive Partnership: Shaping Globalization and Sharing Responsibility -- also known as the Jakarta Declaration.
During President Jokowi's visit to Germany in 2016, the two nations agreed to strengthen strategic partnership on vocational education, renewable energy, and maritime cooperation.
Nonetheless, collaborations in the economy and industry sectors continue to be enhanced.
Currently, around 250 German multinational companies operate in Indonesia, such as Deutsche Post, Robert Bosch, Bayer, VW, Mercedes-Benz, Adidas, Allianz, BASF, and BMW.
In addition, Indonesia's strategic role for Germany is apparent from the appointment of Indonesia as a partner country in holding the German-based largest industrial exhibition, the Hannover Messe, in 1995 and 2021, as well as later in 2023.
Currently, Indonesia is preparing to send nurses to Germany through a triple win scheme.
Germany also provided support of Rp40.7 trillion (US$2.75 billion) for 15 Green Infrastructure Initiative (GII) projects in several provinces in Indonesia.
In addition, until January 2022, apart from the medical devices aid, Germany had provided 14,164,460 doses of COVID-19 vaccine assistance for Indonesia.
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Translator: Desca Natalia, Uyu Liman
Editor: Suharto
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