Bappenas: Indonesia Strengthens Cooperation with Central American Countries

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of National Development Planning/Head of the National Development Planning Agency (PPN/Bappenas), Rachmat Pambudy, stated that Indonesia is seeking to strengthen cooperation with Central American countries, namely Panama, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua.

“Indonesia has experience in cooperating with Pacific countries that has received positive responses and appreciation and has had a real impact on the economic growth of those countries,” said Rachmat Pambudy in an official statement in Jakarta on Monday.

Upon receiving the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Panama, Hendra Halim, the Head of Bappenas hopes that Indonesia’s cooperation experience can serve as an example in the Central American region.

According to him, several areas that can be collaborated on can be discussed concretely, including education, waste management, and bio-economy.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Hendra Halim also conveyed that Indonesia can assist Nicaragua in establishing a halal institution.

Minister Rachmat Pambudy also encouraged the utilisation of the available instruments of Indonesia’s international cooperation development assistance, namely the Indonesian Aid fund.

“The Indonesian Aid fund is expected not only to be used for disaster management but also to support more technical strategies, such as sending planning experts and craft instructors,” he said.

In that meeting, various strategic ideas were conveyed that are hoped to create intensive cooperation between Indonesia and Central American countries.

Both parties hope that the collaboration that is established can have a positive impact on the economy and development of partner countries, while strengthening Indonesia’s position as a strategic development partner in the region.