"Tim Cook is very enthusiastic about our request. The smart city concept is suitable for his company," Setiadi remarked when met in Jakarta on Wednesday.
During a meeting with President Widodo, Cook views Indonesia as being a country with huge development potential due to its diverse culture, he added.
Hence, Cook ensured that Apple will remain present in Indonesia, not only showcasing its products but also developing its human resource potential, the minister noted.
He said that Cook is enthusiastic regarding Apple's involvement in IKN's development since the city is designed with the best smart city systems and governance.
"He is very happy to visit Indonesia. He says that Indonesia has extraordinary potential, a country with extraordinary diversity, and for this reason, Apple is committed to continuing to be present in Indonesia," Setiadi remarked.
Earlier, Apple had invested Rp1.2 trillion (US$74 million) in Indonesia to support a digital talent development program called the Apple Developer Academy.
This investment is provided through training facilities for technology experts at three Apple Academy facilities in BSD, Tangerang District; Ciputra University in Surabaya; and Nongsa Digital Park in Batam City.
Apple will also present a new similar facility in Bali and will become the fourth academy in Indonesia.
This investment is expected to increase with the establishment of a factory for product components in Indonesia to bring added value to the country, as requested by President Widodo.
When asked about his confidence in investing in Indonesia, Cook stated that he believed Indonesia was a good place to invest.
"I think investment capabilities in Indonesia are unlimited. I think there are many good places to invest, and we believe in this country," he remarked.
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Translator: Livia Kristianti, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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