The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, attended the Indonesia-Brazil Business Forum held at the Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday, November 17, 2024. The forum brought together business players from Indonesia and Brazil to explore strategic economic cooperation opportunities, including in the energy, industry, and maritime sectors.
In his remarks, President Prabowo highlighted the many similarities between Indonesia and Brazil, ranging from abundant natural resources to strategic visions for the future.
“Indonesia and Brazil are large countries with significant populations. We have abundant resources. Brazil has already advanced in its industry, while Indonesia is striving to catch up through industrialization. I am confident that we can create strong synergy and mutually beneficial relationships,” said President Prabowo.
President Prabowo also expressed his support for Brazil’s role as a key member of BRICS, an increasingly influential economic organization on the global stage. The Head of State revealed Indonesia’s commitment to joining BRICS as part of its strategy to strengthen the national economy.
“I have sent the Minister of Foreign Affairs to attend the BRICS Summit in Kazan, just a day after my cabinet was inaugurated. Indonesia wants to join Brazil and other BRICS member countries,” stated the President.
Furthermore, President Prabowo emphasized the importance of food security as a fundamental pillar of national development. He underlined his government’s priority program of providing free meals for Indonesian children while learning from Brazil’s success in similar initiatives.
“I also want to learn from Brazil’s successful programs, and I have asked my team to arrange further cooperation with the Brazilian Ambassador to Indonesia,” said President Prabowo.
In the energy sector, President Prabowo pointed out significant opportunities for collaboration, particularly in developing biofuels and renewable energy. Indonesia aims to increase its biodiesel utilization to 50 percent by 2025, leveraging palm oil as the primary raw material.
Meanwhile, in the maritime sector, President Prabowo noted that Indonesia possesses the world’s second or third-largest fisheries reserves but lacks 40,000 fishing vessels with capacities of 150–300 GT. The President invited Brazilian business players to invest in this sector while supporting Indonesia’s downstream resource programs.
President Prabowo concluded his speech by underscoring Indonesia’s commitment to creating a positive and open business climate for foreign investment.
“We are determined to create a positive business environment,” said the President.
Accompanying President Prabowo at the event were Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Deputy Minister of Finance Thomas Djiwandono, and Indonesian Ambassador to Brazil Edi Yusup. (BPMI Setpres/ABD)
