The governments of Indonesia and the United States (US) have inked a memorandum of understanding on infrastructure and trade funding worth of US$750 million. The deal was signed by Indonesian Ambassador to US, Muhammad Lutfi, and President of EXIM Bank, Kimberly Reed on Wednesday (Nov 18). In the meeting with US’ secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, President Joko Widodo encourage US’ businesses to invest more in Indonesia, including for projects in the outer islands, such as Natuna Island.

Pompeo also announced, Washington to provide roughly US$11 million of government assistance and 1,000 ventilators for Indonesia. The funds part of the more than $20 billion his country has pledged around the world for the global COVID-19 response. He also emphasized that there should be much more investment from the United States, especially in the digital, energy, and infrastructure sectors in Indonesia.