JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS— U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Jose W. Fernandez, has expressed strong support for Indonesia’s ambitions to become a global semiconductor hub.

“We have identified Indonesia as one of seven countries that will receive our support to become a semiconductor center,” Fernandez stated during a press briefing in Jakarta

This support comes as part of the celebration of 75 years of Indonesia-U.S. relations and the elevation of their partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Through this initiative, the U.S. aims to open opportunities for Indonesia to attract investments from American and other semiconductor companies. It also includes student exchange programs between the two countries.

Additionally, he mentioned that at the request of the U.S., representatives from the OECD have visited Indonesia to examine its ecosystem and identify opportunities for semiconductor development.

As Indonesia strives to become an OECD member, he reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to assisting Indonesia in meeting the organization’s requirements.

In another significant step, on July 3, 2024, Indonesia and the U.S. signed a debt-for-nature swap agreement worth $35 million (approximately IDR 566.6 billion) to protect Indonesia’s coral reef ecosystems.

Recently, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) also signed a loan agreement with Indonesia for a geothermal power plant project.

“I believe we have more opportunities for stronger economic ties. However, there’s still much more we can achieve,” Fernandez added.

“My presence here is to discuss opportunities for us and other companies to invest in Indonesia’s critical mineral resources, and we will continue to explore these opportunities further.” (Uki Ruknuddin)