Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong discussed cooperation on Indonesia's downstreaming policy during a meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Indonesian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir, who accompanied Vice President Gibran at the meeting, shared details afterward.

"The Vice President addressed key issues raised by the President, particularly regarding downstreaming," Nasir said. "He highlighted the importance of downstreaming for Indonesia and outlined the steps the country will take."

Nasir added that Vice President Gibran sought Prime Minister Wong's support for Indonesia's downstreaming policies, a focus area for the Indonesian government.

During the 30-minute meeting, Gibran also underscored the potential benefits for Singapore and the broader region from the success of Indonesia's downstreaming efforts.

"He emphasized that if Indonesia achieves success and boosts economic prosperity, it will positively impact the region, including Singapore," Nasir remarked.

According to the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, downstreaming is a key strategy to accelerate the growth of Indonesia's industrial and export sectors. The government is working to add value to natural resource commodities such as bauxite, tin, and nickel.

To support the downstream industry, the government has invested in infrastructure, offered fiscal incentives, and fostered a conducive business environment.

Earlier in the day, President Prabowo Subianto welcomed Prime Minister Wong to the Merdeka Palace. This visit marked Prabowo’s first official meeting with a foreign leader since his inauguration on October 20, and it was also Wong’s first official visit to Indonesia as prime minister.

According to a press release from Wong's office, the visit reaffirms Singapore's commitment to strengthening its ties with Indonesia and provides an opportunity for both leaders to explore ways to deepen bilateral relations.

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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
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