Hannover, Germany (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz opened Hannover Messe 2023 at the Hannover Congress Centrum, Hannover, on Sunday.
Indonesia, as the official partner country for the exhibition, which has been held for more than 74 years now, has raised the theme “Making Indonesia 4.0” this year. The opening ceremony for one of the world’s largest industrial exhibitions was held this year at 6 p.m. local time on April 16.
"The theme ‘Making Indonesia 4.0’ is very relevant for Indonesia, which is currently carrying out economic transformation through innovation and technology. Currently, Indonesia is carrying out two big strategies, namely downstream industry and green economy," Widodo said in Hannover, Germany, on Sunday evening local time.
Indonesia’s industrial downstreaming policy is supported by the availability of abundant natural resources, large demographic and market bonuses, and a well-maintained economy. Through them, Indonesia is seeking to become a major player in the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
"Indonesia is very open to investment and cooperation in building downstream industries in Indonesia. Until 2040, there are 21 commodities on the downstream road map, projected to reach an investment value of US$545.3 billion," said the President.
In the green economy aspect, Indonesia is strongly committed to maintaining environmental sustainability. It is targeting to generate as much as 23 percent of energy from new and renewable energy (EBT) sources in 2023 and is working to close all coal power plants by 2025. However, Indonesia will need to ensure that the energy transition can produce affordable energy for the community.
"Of course, this requires investment, requires large financing—at least US$1 trillion until 2060. Indonesia invites investors from Germany to develop a green economy. Once again, Indonesia is really open to investment and cooperation," said the President.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Scholz said that Indonesia will soon become a member of the "cooperative climate club" because of its target of fully decarbonizing the electricity sector by 2025.
"Furthermore, Germany will encourage investment among the G7 countries to Indonesia which reaches 10 billion euros. I invite all of you, companies from Germany, to take this opportunity to ensure that this spirit is appreciated," he added.
At the opening ceremony, Deutsche Messe AG (DMAG), the organizer, also announced the winner of the Hermes Award, which was presented by the Federal Minister of Education and Research, Bettina Stark-Watzinger.
The Hermes Award is an international technology award presented at Hannover Messe, which can be attended by all companies registered as exhibitors at the event.
This year, Bosch Rexroth took the award by meeting the criteria on technological innovation, industrial benefits, environment, and society.
The Hannover Messe 2023 will be held until April 21 at the Hannover Fairground. For the event, Indonesia has collaborated with 157 co-exhibitors from industrial businesses, including industrial startups, associations, industrial areas, special economic zones, and educational institutions, as well as the Nusantara National Capital (IKN).
Indonesia was a country partner at the Hannover Messe 2021: Digital Edition during the COVID-19 pandemic. At this year's event, Indonesia has again got a golden opportunity to be the official country partner for the event.
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