Casper Klynge - JP/Seto WardhanaDenmark is slated to forge closer relations with Indonesia during the upcoming visit of Queen Margrethe II and an entourage of ministers and business people, which is aimed at expanding multi-sector cooperation
Casper Klynge - JP/Seto Wardhana
Denmark is slated to forge closer relations with Indonesia during the upcoming visit of Queen Margrethe II and an entourage of ministers and business people, which is aimed at expanding multi-sector cooperation.
Queen Margrethe II's visit will be the first state visit by Danish royals to Indonesia despite the two countries having maintained diplomatic relations for 65 years.
Denmark's Ambassador to Indonesia Casper Klynge said that, beside marking 65 years of diplomatic ties, the Queen's visit from Oct. 21 to 24 illustrated the importance placed by Denmark on Indonesia.
'Denmark acknowledges the importance of strengthening relations with the ASEAN powerhouse as Indonesia seeks to take on an increasingly important regional leadership role in Southeast Asia,' Klynge said on Tuesday.
Acknowledging little knowledge among Danish people about Indonesia, Klynge hoped the visit would bring more understanding about pluralism and diversity here.
In the midst of growing extremism, Denmark thinks that Indonesia has a lot to offer in terms of religion tolerance including Islam Nusantara. 'Indonesian experience could send a message that will get more people to understand the concept of tolerance and a moderate interpretation of religion,' he said.
During the visit, the two countries are expected to sign a number of memorandums of understanding on education, culture, agribusiness and maritime sectors, as well as some talks on clean energy and climate change.
'Denmark will also want to share its experience on how it has transformed from a highly polluting energy user to a green energy sector,' he said.
Regarding the maritime sector, Klynge said Denmark was going to offer Indonesia assistance in developing maritime connectivity and the fisheries industry. For example, a Danish company, Maersk, has been looking at establishing cold storage facilities at Bitung Port, North Sulawesi. 'Cold containers can transport local fishermen's catches to the international market,' he said.
_______________________________
'Denmark acknowledges the importance of strengthening relations with the ASEAN powerhouse as Indonesia seeks to take on an increasingly important regional leadership role in Southeast Asia.'
The Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) ranks Denmark as the 30th largest investor in Indonesia in 2015.
Some large-scale Danish companies operating in Indonesia included shipping company AP Moller/Maersk Line, shoe company Ecco, toy brand Lego, as well as others like Grundfos, Novo Nordisk, Danfoss, Aria, Bang&Olufsen, ISS and FLS Industries.
Recent Danish project plans in Indonesia include the construction of an 800 kilowatt (KW) wind-turbine power plant project in East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara, with the Danish government planning to invest up to Rp 12 billion (US$906,208) in the project.
Meanwhile, Danish development aid to Indonesia is focused on supporting Indonesian government policies in environmental management and good governance, in accordance with the Paris Declaration and the Accra Agenda for Action, both of which are aimed at improving aid effectiveness.
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.
Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.