REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Trade Ministry seeks to enhance strategic partnerships with the US, including with the world's largest aircraft manufacturer Boeing. The cooperation is expected to be mutually beneficial to both parties.

Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita visited the US this month to secure Indonesia's market access to the US . Lukita also tried to improve partnerships and balance trade relations between the two countries in various sectors.

"We invite Boeing not only to make Indonesia a market but also to remain together as part of a mutually beneficial future strategy," Lukita said in a written statement received on Tuesday.

The Indonesian delegation met with the Vice President of International Government Relations Boeing, Mark Lippert. Lukita conveyed the considerable cooperation potential between Boeing and Indonesia, such as the development of palm-based biofuel (bioavtur) aircraft, aircraft parts, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul services (MRO).

In addition, Indonesia has the potential to become an aircraft service hub of MRO aircraft in Southeast Asia and beyond.

With regard to the offer of bioavtur cooperation, the Indonesian government has facilitated a meeting between Boeing and the Indonesian Biofuels Producers Association (APROBI), which has developed biofuels and exports globally.

"Boeing can work together with Indonesian business players to develop bioavtures based on palm oil as an alternative fuel that is more environmentally friendly," Lukita remarked.

The cooperation with Boeing has been started since 1949. Meanwhile, the need for Boeing aircraft in Indonesia will continue to increase along with the development of Indonesia's domestic and international flight routes.

In 2012, the purchase of Boeing's fleet by one of the Indonesian airlines made it the largest purchase in Boeing's history at the time.

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