REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, TOKYO -- The delegation of the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (SOE/BUMN) led by the Minister of BUMN, Erick Thohir, is exploring cooperation with the Japanese Government and its businesses. This cooperation covers the health sector with a focus on new technology, increasing the capacity of health workers, and Japanese participation in the KEK Health. Other sectors being explored are cooperation opportunities for millennial housing development, the development of the EV Battery industry, and financing for national infrastructure projects.
"Japan is known as a developed country in the health sector. For example, I was impressed by the Covid-19 test conducted by the Japanese Government at the airport. The test is sufficient with saliva and not through the nasal passages. The results of this test can be found in less than an hour with a high degree of accuracy. I want this technology to be used in airports under AP1 and AP2 management. Imagine the impact to accelerate our economic recovery, ”said Erick Thohir, Saturday (8/11) from Tokyo.
The SOE Minister also saw the PCR test technology made by Kawasaki Heavy Industries for rapid testing and tracking of COVID-19 patients using robotic technology.
Erick Thohir who was accompanied by Deputy Minister of BUMN II also met with Mitsui Healthcare, a well-known health company in Japan that has invested in hospitals in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. Erick Thohir stated, "We see that the potential for health and wellness tourism for tourists is very large, and Bali, especially areas like Sanur, has become a preferred destination for elderly tourists, with a different positioning from other regions. The potential of Bali as a Health Special Economic Zone opens investment opportunities in the health sector, particularly for the construction of world-class health facilities in Bali. "
During this visit, the Minister of BUMN held a marathon meeting with representatives of the Japanese government and business circles.
In the renewable energy sector, the projection for Indonesia to become the center of the lithium battery industry for electric vehicles (EV) thanks to its wealth of nickel reserves has attracted international automotive companies in Japan to explore strategic cooperation. Nickel is the capital for the development of the EV battery supply chain from upstream to downstream.
"Since we took the downstream policy of the mineral and coal industry, one of which focuses on developing the EV battery industry, many international companies are looking to explore cooperation with Indonesia. Korea and LGChem, China with CATL, and now Japan with Toyota and Panasonic are companies that are eager to invest. in the EV battery, "he added.
In the field of infrastructure financing, the BUMN Minister and Deputy Minister II for SOEs also held several meetings with a number of financial institutions in Japan to discuss various potential Japanese direct investment in BUMN in infrastructure development, such as the construction of toll roads, ports and airports.
In the housing sector, the Minister of BUMN, Deputy Minister II of BUMN, and the President Director of BTN met with IIDA Group Holding and Daiwa House in exploring cooperation to support housing development programs for millennials that are integrated with mass transportation. This residence will be environmentally friendly and equipped with technology at an efficient cost.